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Unread 11/25/2006, 07:47 PM   #1
jaredloo
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10000K vs. 20000K

I have 2 x 175w MH and was burning 20K bulbs because I was told that they would help bring out the colors in the corals. It just doesn't seem to be bright enough and I just got some new frags and they seem to be losing their vibrancy. I am wondering if it may be due to lighting since water parameters are good, flow is good, and I feed them methodically.

Well, I have 2 x 10K bulbs in storage and I broke them out today. I like the bluer look of the 20K's but I want to do what's best for my coral. I am going to see if it makes much of a difference.

By the way, this tank is 48x18x24 (90 Gal) Distance to the sand bed from the lights is about 30 inches.

Please post your findings on 10K vs. 20K. or even 14K. And any advice for me. Please note, I do not have enough money to upgrade to 250w's right now. I want to but can't. So I am looking for advice on 10k vs. 20K and even 14K. Thanks.


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Unread 11/25/2006, 08:17 PM   #2
ADA33
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So far I am very happy with my 14k but they are 400w not sure if that makes a big color difference.

10k was just a little too yellow for me but I did like the coral color better than the 14k


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Unread 11/25/2006, 08:21 PM   #3
74nautique
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I've used 5500k, 10000k, 12000k, 14000k & 20000k and recently tried the XM 15000k and think they look the best so far.


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Unread 11/25/2006, 08:24 PM   #4
NaClH20NMYVEIN
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My next bulbs will probably be 14K as the 10k dont show the color and 20K are too dim for my liking. I also run 400W


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Unread 11/25/2006, 09:29 PM   #5
Jayreefer
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I love me helios 400w SE HQI 20K. The bulb has to be run on a HQI ballast for it to be bright. The color looks great.

If the 175w looks too dim, you might want to up the wattage to get a brighter look. Or switch to 10k and use t-5's as suppliment.


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Unread 11/25/2006, 09:39 PM   #6
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I've been sold on the 14k hamiltons for a long time. I've tried 10k ushio and have seen 20k tanks, but I'm sticking with the 14k. I also run super actinic VHOs.


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Unread 11/25/2006, 11:13 PM   #7
vanmle
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I like 10Ks. I think the color on my corals are very good. I have noticed that zoos and LPS colors are really nice under 14K and higher K bulbs. But I think looking at corals at the higher K bulbs is a little like looking at them through a filter. That is just my opinion. I am sold on 10K XM. If it is too yellow, then add some actinic.


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Unread 11/25/2006, 11:47 PM   #8
majestic sea life
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MSN has got me hooked on the 14k hamiltons and I love them.


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Unread 11/26/2006, 12:37 AM   #9
psimitry
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I've never liked the ultra blue look of the 20,000K bulbs. But I don't like the yellowishness of the 10,000K's. That said, I think the 14K bulb is the perfect balance of growth vs. color.


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Unread 11/26/2006, 12:43 AM   #10
Richard Walston
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I ran the Ushio 10K for a couple of years with VHO actinic supplement. I liked the crisp white color. I then tried the Geisman 14k did not like them at all for the money they were crap IMO. I am running the XM 15k right now and really like the color not to blue but I think they are not that bright even though they are 250watt bulbs. I am adding dual 400 watt with the dual 250 watts so I will probably have the 400's be Ushio 10k and 250's XM 15k to get a nice white crisp color.


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Unread 11/26/2006, 12:44 AM   #11
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I love the Phoenix 250W 14Ks. Nice balance of color and growth. I have seen Hamis 145K on HQI and they are good. Wouldn't use them on an eballast. 400W Radium 20K's are also sweet but put out some heat.

The XM 15K have about the worst par. Even worse then their 20K.


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Unread 11/26/2006, 09:27 AM   #12
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I should have mentioned the bright crispness of the 14k hamilton.


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Unread 11/26/2006, 10:12 AM   #13
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Sounds like 14K - 15K is a great balance. XM and Hamilton seem to be the favorites. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Any suggestions on Wattage for a 90 Gallon. The tank is only 24" tall. And my lights are only 4" off of the water. I know that's close but my JBJ chiller keeps everything nice and cool. If I had it my way, I'd have a new stand & canopy so my lights could be at least 8" off the water, and I would install 250W. What do you think?


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Unread 11/26/2006, 10:16 AM   #14
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For a 24" high tank, I would strongly recommend 250w. 4" or 8" off the water is great. Mine are actually 13" off.


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Unread 11/26/2006, 10:32 AM   #15
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Do not go with the XM 15K, although the color is nice to the eye it has a terrible par and like MSM said your tank of 24" with a 175W bulb is less than what most would prefer but it is doable. I also think you should check bulbs with your ballast for par before making your choice.

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/

Richard, same thing for you. I would not go with the XM 15K in 400W (but if you do, I have a couple with little use I can sell you for cheap.) If I were you I would use XM 10K on your 250W and XM 20K on your 400W. The XM 10K on your 250's is gonna give you a lot of bright light while the XM 20K on your 400's is gonna give you a much better par than the 250's will. You should also check Sanjay's site for this info.

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/


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Unread 11/26/2006, 10:56 AM   #16
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Kirsten, MSM - I agree that 250 will be the best. What recommendations do you have on bulbs and ballasts. I looked at that site kirsten provided. I don't really know what I am looking for.


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Unread 11/26/2006, 10:58 AM   #17
majestic sea life
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IceCap electronic ballasts are great.


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Unread 11/26/2006, 11:03 AM   #18
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I only have personal experience with Icecap ballasts. When I had 175w on the 55 gallon, I tried 10k ushio and 14k Hamilton. On the 180, I have 250w 14k Hamilton.

I guess my point is, I can only personally recommend 250w 14k Hamilton. That doesn't mean it's the best out there, it's just the best I've seen.


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Unread 11/26/2006, 11:04 AM   #19
jaredloo
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And you run Ice Cap Electronic Ballasts on that?


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Unread 11/26/2006, 11:10 AM   #20
Satori
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Yes.


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Unread 11/26/2006, 11:11 AM   #21
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And super actinic VHOs.


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Unread 11/26/2006, 11:37 AM   #22
Richard Walston
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Thanks Kristenk for the information I will let you know about the lights, but after reviewing the data about the lights I don't think I would run XM 15k any more. The XM 10K with the XM 20K look to be the best by far but wouldn't I want the 400's to be the 10K and the 250's as the 20K for supplement?

Rich


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Last edited by Richard Walston; 11/26/2006 at 11:55 AM.
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Unread 11/26/2006, 11:42 AM   #23
Philwd
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Jared,
There are quite a few people in town running the Phx 14Ks. Fewer run Hamis. I run my Phx on icecaps and I get very good growth and colors. You should read the many threads on the Hamis before you decide to switch over. In the end you should really try and see as many tanks as you can with the various bulbs/ballasts and make up your own mind what looks good to you.


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Unread 11/26/2006, 11:50 AM   #24
jaredloo
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Thanks Phil & MSM - I think I am getting an anonymous response that IceCaps will be the best for me. I am leaning toward the Phx 14K as I have compared them to the Hamis on SanJays reeflighting site. The Phx seems to get better PAR than the Hamis. So theoretically the 250W Phx 14K with IceCap ballast would be my choice. I'd really like to see some in use though.

Any thoughts from anyone about this configuration I am thinking of going with?


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Unread 11/26/2006, 11:53 AM   #25
clkwrk
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I run ice caps with PHX and love them . I also run on hammy 14k on ice cap and its alright but IMO phx is better.


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