(08/06/2008) - This bulb has a nice blue/white color on a PFO HQI ballast, but isn't as bright as my singled ended XM 10k's which are overdriven on the PFO HQI ballast. Its a bit difficult going from such a bright bulb to a dimmer one. I haven't found a better color/growth combination than the XM10k's with VHO actinic supplementation.

(04/22/2008) - for a nice bright white color with enough blue that actinic supplemental lighting isnt needed. the colors "pop" under these lights and they still provide a high par value. using a tar ballast seems to push the bulbs to a brighter white over using an electronic ballast.

(04/05/2008) - I've been using these bulbs (no supplementation) for over 2 years and think I've found the perfect balance. I've used USHIO 10K (too yellow), Hamilton 14K (not enough growth although they have similiar coloration) and XM 20K (too unnatural/blue-purplish). I think I've found a perfect balance for growth, coloration and lifespan. I'm going on over a year on my bulbs (8 hour photoperiod) and think I may be good for another 3-4 months. My other bulbs usually shifted in color dramatically after 9 months and some (Hamiltons) started misfire/not start after 12 months. I know you should replace them every year but I like to squeeze out as much as I can before shelling out for 3 new bulbs at a time. My tank's still bright and growth on my SPS's has not been limited.

(04/03/2008) - I purchase 2 of these for a clients' 110 gallon reef aquarium with ice cap pendant/ballast, via retro fit into a Perfecto Prestige 48x18 hood. The light is fantastic. Very bright, with a touch of blue. Barelly more than the 12k reeflux we were running before. Overall, I feel it was a good choice for a straigt HQI system w/no actinic help. The only thing missin is the flourecent "pop".

(11/19/2006) - I have run these bulbs for 2 years now and I am very happy. Nice coloration white with a decent blue tint. Good growth for a 14k.

(06/12/2006) - I ran this bulb without any actinic supplement and it was perfect in color. However, over time my corals became much less colorful. I am now running a 13000K megachrome which seems to not be nearly as colorful but my corals are coloring up.

(06/18/2005) - Nice color with lots of output! I changed over from 10K Ushio and have been very happy.