175 watt 14k-20k bulb laying around??

salty65gal · 04-27-2006, 02:23 PM

Looking for a 175 watt single ended 14-20k bulb, anyone have some laying around? Want to find what color I want as I have no experience in anything other than 150 watt HQI

I have an extra 175 watt set up now and will probably use it on a frag tank, bulb is way too old.

David Grigor · 04-27-2006, 02:31 PM

Depending on what your planning to put in the frag tank, most 20K at 175W levels have pretty poor par ratings and really should boost the wattage to compensate.

You may also want to look at the 175W 14K Iwasaki Aqua2 bulb. Not as blue as most 14k but better than say a 10K. Par output is very promising and is higher than many 250W bulbs.

I really want to try this bulb out, lots of positives on this bulb. Worth doing a search. It burns best on an Icecap but most all ballast still have good output.

salty65gal · 04-27-2006, 02:41 PM

Thanks David. I only have a couple sps and plan to keep it that way. I like the lps and softie look.

Where might I want to buy this bulb at David....

Thanks, Eric

David Grigor · 04-27-2006, 02:58 PM

The investigation I did uncovered http://www.coralreefecosystems.com/ having the best price at $75. PremiumAquatics also carries the bulb and should price match. Not for sure who else carries the bulb now.

There are several threads on discussing the bulb but the best thread I found was in the Icecap sponsors forum over on RC.

Every 20K rating I've seen at 175W is pretty dismall light output. Even for LPS and such may not be all that useful IMO. Me personally I would probably lean more towards flourescents vs. the higher K MH 175W.