70 Watt MH Bulbs....

[tskinner]

So I'm currently in the process of aquiring a used slightly used 70 Watt Sunpod.  The fixture has only approxmately 200 hours on it.  Is this alot for a MH bulbs?  Should I get a new one?  I don't believe it is alot since if it was ran for 8 hours a day it would be 25 days but just asking.  Now the next question.  I know this is a big topic on Nano-reef.com so I'm going to ask from some local recommendation.  70 Watt MH Bulbs!!  What time do you recommend and where can I find them??  I really like the 14K blue look.  I'm looking for a medium between color and growth.  Its going a 5.5 gallon so I don't want too much growth.  I was thinking a 14K but do anyone have any specific recommendations?  Brand?  K?  and where to get it?

Thanks again.
Tyson

[tskinner]

Oh and if you are running a 70 Watt MH on your tank, please post a pic if you have one so I can compare please....

[jeffd]

I was looking into the 70w halide as well a while back. Finding a quality bulb @ 70w is going to be tough. I have heard that most of the ones being sold at online auction are garbage. There is one manufacture that you will see on EB from time to time that is supposed to be pretty decent. I can get the name for you if you like.

cheers

[tskinner]

Yeah I've heard eBay ones suck.  A popular one seems to be the Astrolux 14K bulb on Nano-reef.  I'm gonna try the 70 Watt current usa 14k that comes with it and see how that is.  I know our sponsors can get them in but haven't contacted them directly yet to find out what type they carry.  Just seeing if there were any recommendations as I know a few people are running DIY 70 Watt MH on the forum.  Thanks for the input jeff.

[jeffd]

yes Astrolux bulbs and the hamilton 14k are supposed to be pretty decent in 70w. Finding them local might be a challenge but check with the local guys and see if they can order them in for you.