best k replacement bulb

[Johnny5]

I have a 24 gallon aqua pod. I ripped off the hood that it came with.
Stupid plastic cover over the compacts got all jacked up(melted in areas)
I now have a 250 MH over the tank. It is time for a new bulb. I was wanting to get some opinions on what color temp to replace it with. I was thinking 14k.
I have about 25 lbs of rock, a purple dotty back, and a scooter blenny in there. I do not have any corals in there yet. Frags are still in my big tank.

Thanks for the opinions.

[Hop]

It depends on 1. your preference in color and 2. the ballast which you are driving it with.

The bulb on my 250 PFO magnetic will look much different on a ice cap ballast.

[Johnny5]

True. I am running a electronic. Not sure brand. I know for growth wise a 10k would be better, but I like more blue.

[Hop]

Have you looked at any of the MH comparison tables? You may be surprised how bulbs of the same K rating will have far different par values. Personally I like the radium 20ks, the phoenix 14s and the aquaconnect 20ks.

[VWD]

I like Hamilton 10Ks the best, I have used them for years. But it really depends on what you like

[Johnny5]

Thanks for the ideas. I will check some of those out.

[ckusnierek]

In a 24g aquapod I do not think PAR will be an issue for you at all.

I would look at the higher K values (14-20) then you wont need any actinics...

[Johnny5]

Thanks all.

[Johnny5]

Where is the best place to order a bulb from? I think I will go with the radium 20k. My store by the house is crazy on there prices.

[Johnny5]

oh yeah it is a double ended bulb.

[ckusnierek]

Check the comparison shopping tab on the top right of the page.

[ckusnierek]

radium does not make DE bulbs