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01/16/2009, 08:14 PM | #1 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 62
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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 |
USN Avionics Technician
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: FPO/AP
Posts: 334
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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.
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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 |
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Matthews NC
Posts: 990
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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.
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01/16/2009, 09:10 PM | #4 |
USN Avionics Technician
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: FPO/AP
Posts: 334
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+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
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540g 8'x3'x3', SRO-5000EXT, Neptune APEX, Koralia Magnums, Korallin C-1502 Calcium Reactor...Soon to be LED powered! |
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