HELP!!! The right bulb for my ballast???

[Reptoreef]

Ok... I'm getting nowhere, here! I have searched everywhere I can think of for info reguarding the best Halide brand for my ballast(dual 175 watt Cool Touch). I bought it used so I don't know if it has the pulse upgrade. I am interested in Hamilton's or XM's, but they gotta be a true as possible 10k. Ushio's would be great, but I don't believe my ballast will fire em. I am currantly running 12k CoralVue's and think they're more like a 20k(too dim and blue for my liking). Davej seems very fond of his 10k Coralvue's and his corals look terrific!!! Argh :evil: ... any help would be appreciated.

Repto

[Reef_Angel]

Did you ever solve this dilemma Repto?

[Reptoreef]

Looks like XM's are a go and I've found a source @ $50 ea(not too bad). As for the Hamiltons... no answer, yet. Thanks for your concern... I'm still searching.

[davejnz]

I'd say the CV's aren't a true 10k.More like a 12-14k.I have to add some daylight to balance it out.XM's seem to be pretty popular and pretty darn bright.Too bad,you dont have 250's,I still have the old-style CV10k and man,that thing was bright.Too bad SPS had trouble acclimating to it or i'd still be using it.

[jerryc]

I'm using the Hamilton 10K and like them not positive but believe Thea will work with
your ballast i have Hamilton ballast.

[Reptoreef]

Thank all... probably gonna give the XM's a go.

[ereefic]

If your ballast are M57 (probe start)then XM's will work fine. Ushio's will not.

If you ballasts are pulse start (forget the #'s) then Ushio's will work.

We run the XM's of the 250w variety and they are a true 10k IMO, and very bright. I'm getting a 175w AB 10k tomorrow but that is supposed to be more like a 13k.

[Reptoreef]

AB are probe start, too??? I've been hearing that they are the way to go. Why are you changing from the XM's???

[Reptoreef]

Just found AB's at Hellolights... look probe start, all right.

[ereefic]

The AB's are replacing the 175w Ushio's, XM's are 250w.

[Reptoreef]

I'm gonna go with the XM's, this time... leave the actinics to my pc's.