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08/17/2011, 10:04 PM | #1 |
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10k vs 14k vs 20k
What is the difference between these different bulbs? Does anybody have an article they can link me to or something that I can read to learn about this. I am running a 20k XM single ended bulb right now. I'd love to see pictures of the different lights on the same tank. Thanks in advance.
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120 gallon mixed reef |
08/17/2011, 10:10 PM | #2 |
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Basic rule of thumb is the lower the Kelvin, the faster things grow (including algae) the higher the Kelvin the better the coral colors up.
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Erik G. Current Tank Info: 150H(48LX24WX30H), 302 Aquatics sump w/ATS, NWB 200 reef octopus skimmer w/DC pump, 2× MP40W, Varios 6 return pump, RKE, Avast Marine Kalk reactor, Kessil AP700 |
08/17/2011, 10:26 PM | #3 |
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08/17/2011, 10:26 PM | #4 |
o^__^o<-- MY PLUGS
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Also lower the k more yellow the light higher the bluer
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Only a fool learns from his own mistakes... a wise man learns from the mistakes of others Current Tank Info: 15g nano. |
08/17/2011, 10:46 PM | #5 |
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I'm curious in particular about the 14k hamiltons and phoenix. Also the 20k XM and radiums.
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08/17/2011, 10:50 PM | #6 |
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the 14k hams are white with hint of blue.
the phoenix are very blue xm 20k very blue radiums very blue, hint of purple |
08/17/2011, 10:56 PM | #7 |
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where could I find pictures with these comparisons on the same tank? Basically this is my first tank and I want to decide on what bulbs I like for my 120 gallon tank but don't want to have to purchase them all just to test them out...
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08/17/2011, 11:08 PM | #8 |
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did u see the link?
thats the only one i know of. |
08/17/2011, 11:09 PM | #9 | ||
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Quote:
Quote:
http://www.marinedepot.com/lighting_...tion_2-ap.html
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08/17/2011, 11:17 PM | #10 |
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i think one of the best combos is the radiums on a hqi ballast. this is the ballast that the radium are meant to run on. the ballast will over drive the bulb and make them white with hints of blue.
check out mpollotis totm write up |
08/17/2011, 11:51 PM | #11 |
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Here's the best link I know of to give you what you're looking for. It's getting a bit dated as it doesn't contain any newer bulbs but it seems to hit some of the favorites.
http://cnidarianreef.com/G180/lamps.php |
08/17/2011, 11:52 PM | #12 |
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Radiums are by far the most popular and the performance cannot be matched. However, like anything in life, you must be aware of the drawbacks. More specifically, Radiums should be changed every 6-8 months.
Primary Goal: Growth - 6,500K - 10,000K Color - 14,000K - 20,000K Generally when I run a SPS reef, I use Iwasaki (6,500K) or XM 10K to grow out the corals for 1-2 years and then switch to Radiums to color up the corals.
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08/18/2011, 08:05 AM | #13 |
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perfect! That was just what I was looking for. I guess I will get the hamilton's 14k and give those a shot compared to the 20k XMs. Is there anything I should know when switching from 20k bulbs to 14k?
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08/18/2011, 09:47 AM | #14 | |
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08/18/2011, 09:51 AM | #15 | |
Team RC member
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Quote:
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08/18/2011, 09:52 AM | #16 | |
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Warmest regards, ~Steve~ |
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08/18/2011, 11:32 AM | #17 | |
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Quote:
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08/18/2011, 10:59 PM | #18 |
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so what would I be needing to do in terms of acclimating them or switching from the 20k to the 14k?
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08/18/2011, 11:09 PM | #19 |
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when i used to run MH i ran 400w SE radiums on HQI ballast. the HQI overdrives the bulb a bit and makes it less blue. I really loved the color and growth was really good. i ran a 400w 10K xm SE on a HQI ballast and the color wasnt horrible but growth wasnt THAT much better to make me want to run 10k over 20k. point being is that there wasnt a super noticeable growth difference but there was a color difference. I also ran pheonix 14k SE 250w and it had good color but i wouldnt trade it for the radium.
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