can someone verify if my lights are 250W MH?? *pics included

[kusanagiz]

I purchased 2x250W Hamilton MH bulbs along w/ 2x96 blue lights (forget the name). I've seen other tanks w/ MH bulbs and it seems BRIGHT like sunlight. Mine seems like ultraviolet lighting. Is this right? Please let me know if this is the right kidn of look for the above description lighting I have. (my bulbs are 14k or 10k spectrum)

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[Juck]

Which is it? 14k or 10k? (14k has more blue than the 10k).

If the bulbs are new,, I'd give them a couple of weeks to burn-in,,, the color may change slightly during that time.

 

[kusanagiz]

Which is it? 14k or 10k? (14k has more blue than the 10k).

If the bulbs are new,, I'd give them a couple of weeks to burn-in,,, the color may change slightly during that time.

finding that out now =T calling the fish store later.

i read about the 100 hour burn in time but i'm thinking even if it turns out less "blue or violet" it doesn't seem as bright as those halides I see elsewhere where it looks like bright sunlight. that's what's concerning me and was hoping someone can give me their opinion if it looks like that.

I'm also hoping to get some ballast info to ensure that it's the correct one for a 250 watt bulb

 

[Juck]

I have to say that the 14k hamiltons produce the brightest 'white' light I've ever seen. The 10k's have a very slight hint of yellow to my eye.

Let's see what you think after a couple of weeks,,, they might grow on you.

 

[kusanagiz]

I have to say that the 14k hamiltons produce the brightest 'white' light I've ever seen. The 10k's have a very slight hint of yellow to my eye.

Let's see what you think after a couple of weeks,,, they might grow on you.

wow really? because i doubt mine is any higher than 20k. should be 10k or 14k at most. If that's the case...from th ones you've seen...did they all start out as blue/violet as mine?

 

[Juck]

The 14k Hamiltons did start off a bit blue, but I had the 175w, not the 250w,, and again,, it's a purely subjective thing,,,, what I think is a bit blue might just be white to someone else.

The pics don't look like 20k bulbs to me,,, I think a 20k would be bluer. I don't know of any bulbs with a color temp higher than 20k that are commonly used in the hobby.

Is there anything printed on the bulbs? Sometimes the color temp and/or wattage is etched in the glass somewhere.

 

[kusanagiz]

The 14k Hamiltons did start off a bit blue, but I had the 175w, not the 250w,, and again,, it's a purely subjective thing,,,, what I think is a bit blue might just be white to someone else.

The pics don't look like 20k bulbs to me,,, I think a 20k would be bluer. I don't know of any bulbs with a color temp higher than 20k that are commonly used in the hobby.

Is there anything printed on the bulbs? Sometimes the color temp and/or wattage is etched in the glass somewhere.

well from what I read from the bulb it said 250W MH. *shrugs* But from what I hear about 250 MH and how hot and bright they are it just puts doubt in my head. That's why i was hoping someone could look at my lights and corroborate w/ their 250 W setup.

 

[krullulon]

http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm -- excellent DIY comparative study of 250W MH lamps with extensive pictures of the differences in lighting color between K variants and manufacturers that will at least give you a basic feel for some of the variations.

 

[shawnz28]

If they say Hamilton 250 watt on the bulb that should be what it is with little doubt. They also should say the color on the bulb usually.

Take the bulb out and give us some pics of the bulb itself