In a side-by-side comparison the latest AquaMaxx 400W 14,000K metal halide bulbs are shown to be very similar to Radium 400W 20,000K bulb in spectral output providing a more economical option for your reef. Lighting guru Sanjay Joshi put the AquaMaxx to the test with the results published in the latest issue of Advanced Aquarist magazine. Putting the two bulbs to the test driven by a PFO-HQI ballast Joshi shows their strikingly similar spectrum output. His takeaway — if you’re thinking about switching, evaluate the new AquaMaxx 14,000K more as a 20,000K at a better value than the Radium. The AquaMaxx bulbs come in 400W, 250W and 175W mogul versions, as well as 250W and 150W double-ended versions. As far as price comparison, the AquaMaxx 400W version retails for around $69.99 USD, while the Radium 400W runs around $89.99 USD. It will be interesting to see how these two bulbs compare over the course of their usable lifetime. If the bulbs spectrum’s stay consistent over time, the AquaMaxx proves to be a great value and option for MH reef lighting. Marine Depot currently carries all five versions of the AquaMaxx bulbs and even have a 33% off special through the end of January 2010.