10k vs 14k vs 20k MH

minesinger · 01/16/2009, 08:14 PM

I was told by my LFS that he switched out his 10k MH bulbs for 14k bulbs. I currently have 2-150w 10k MH and 2-65w actinic on my 75g.

What do you all typically run? What's the difference? Will my corals be better with one vs the other? or is it just personal preference?

westmoorenerd · 01/16/2009, 09:05 PM

I run 14k Aquamaxx's in both a 250w DE and a 175 SE... the difference is most 10ks are white with a little yellow, 14ks are white with a little blue, and 20ks are blue with a little white.... well thats the laymans way of describing it... corals will grow better under 10ks, but color up better with 20ks, with a 14k being a compromise.

46FiatYamaha · 01/16/2009, 09:08 PM

in general terms the lower the K rating (5500 K is natural unfiltered sun) the better the growth of corals, but more yellow in color. The higher the number, the more blue it gets. Usually around 10 k they are crisp white, and of course 20 k are very blue. But depending on ballast and brand of bulb, there is a range in color and PAR as well, and rarely will Brand A 10K will look like Brand B's 10K. Just for reference, in my gallery I have pics of 250w DE Coralvue 14k bulbs, with a standard Coralvue electronic ballast.

westmoorenerd · 01/16/2009, 09:10 PM

+1, there are a few 10k and 12k bulbs that actually put out 20k+ of light, and some 14ks that put out under 8k, so the best thing i can say is to check dr sanjays spectrum analysis of different bulbs

01/16/2009, 08:14 PM	#1
minesinger Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 62	10k vs 14k vs 20k MH I was told by my LFS that he switched out his 10k MH bulbs for 14k bulbs. I currently have 2-150w 10k MH and 2-65w actinic on my 75g. What do you all typically run? What's the difference? Will my corals be better with one vs the other? or is it just personal preference?

01/16/2009, 09:05 PM	#2
westmoorenerd USN Avionics Technician Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: FPO/AP Posts: 334	I run 14k Aquamaxx's in both a 250w DE and a 175 SE... the difference is most 10ks are white with a little yellow, 14ks are white with a little blue, and 20ks are blue with a little white.... well thats the laymans way of describing it... corals will grow better under 10ks, but color up better with 20ks, with a 14k being a compromise. __________________ 540g 8'x3'x3', SRO-5000EXT, Neptune APEX, Koralia Magnums, Korallin C-1502 Calcium Reactor...Soon to be LED powered!

01/16/2009, 09:10 PM	#4
westmoorenerd USN Avionics Technician Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: FPO/AP Posts: 334	+1, there are a few 10k and 12k bulbs that actually put out 20k+ of light, and some 14ks that put out under 8k, so the best thing i can say is to check dr sanjays spectrum analysis of different bulbs __________________ 540g 8'x3'x3', SRO-5000EXT, Neptune APEX, Koralia Magnums, Korallin C-1502 Calcium Reactor...Soon to be LED powered!

01/16/2009, 09:08 PM	#3
46FiatYamaha Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Matthews NC Posts: 990	in general terms the lower the K rating (5500 K is natural unfiltered sun) the better the growth of corals, but more yellow in color. The higher the number, the more blue it gets. Usually around 10 k they are crisp white, and of course 20 k are very blue. But depending on ballast and brand of bulb, there is a range in color and PAR as well, and rarely will Brand A 10K will look like Brand B's 10K. Just for reference, in my gallery I have pics of 250w DE Coralvue 14k bulbs, with a standard Coralvue electronic ballast.