Which 70 watt HQI?

[Clay12340]

I'm looking at replacing my bulb and I'm having some trouble choosing between the available options. So if you guys had to pick one which brand and color would you pick?

Ushio
Pheonix
Aqualine
CurrentUSA

I'm sure there are other brands that make 70 watt round end hqi bulbs, and suggestions are welcome. The tank is a 12 gallon aquapod.

[charlie]

If it were me, I would stick with the brands that have been around for a while, and that would either be Ushio or Aqualine, I believe. As for color, that is totally up to you, I like a bluer looking tank, but you may not, so I am not even gonna go there.

[Reefland]

I agree, the Ushio and Aqualine are probably the best known brands.

[Clay12340]

Thank you guys.

Is there any reason the aqualine seems to be so much more expensive than the Ushio? I might not be finding the best sites either, but it seems like the aqualine is running about $25 more for a similar bulb.

[Reefland]

It is a more sought after brand for starters. ;)

[scubadude]

I agree w/Scott...AB and Ushio...I have always had a bit more preference to Ushio though because of the price...if you want to get real finicky and have the time to kill you could always go check your spectrum, par, lifespan etc etc from one of sanjays reports if he has tested them bulbs

[Clay12340]

I tried checking his reports first, but it doesn't look like he has tested any of the 70 watt bulbs. We'll see how the AB 20k looks. If I don't like the blue I guess I'll pick something else in 6 months.

[charlie]

Good luck, can you post some before and after pics? Around here, we are gluttons for pics!!!!