MH Questions

I have been running 20k xm 250w HQI and 4 39w actinic. I have herd that 14k is the way to go but there are a few good LFS and they all run 20k on there display tanks and the corals look so much better then the 14k. From my understanding the 20k bulbs have a slower growth rate compared to the 14k bulbs but the colors on your corals are better. or am I wrong?

 

Choosing the type of K in a bulb depends on two factor. One is, what type of corals are you planning to get? Not all corals are found at the same depths. Second, would be personal perf. You really shouldnt worry to much on which corals to get b/c they will adapt. I personally like the 14k, just like Mission. Luna

 

Yeah I tried 14k for a while but I really didn't see that much difference from when I was using a 10k bulb. I might just stick with the 20k cause my corals seem to have better color now.

 

I use a 10k on one side and a 12k on the other of my sps tank. I do run 460nm actinics for the color. I turn the actincs on longer than the MHs throughout each day.

If you dont have sps I would use 14ks.

 

Has anyone used 20k on there tank for a while? Maybe give me some pros or cons on using 20k bulbs? I am also running dual actinic t5s 2 420 and 2 460 would it be better to switch to all 420?

 

I run 250 / 20k and have very nice growth and health in my softies...they are at different levels/depths depending on need....see my post on "leave actinics on with MH ?"
another good thread....again..VERY IMPORTANT Lighting and depth vs livestock.
LG

 

anyone know about the actinic spec. that I should use? 460n or 420n?

Oh another thing. I have been using XM bulbs. I know from other threads everyone seems to like the SPS bulbs. I am looking into either the aqualine ab bulbs or the Megachrome bulbs. Has anyone tried these brands of bulbs? I see that they tend to run 30 dollars more then the SPS bulbs.

 

XMs are good quality bulbs. You get some of the 420nm light through your MH's. I usually go with a little more 460nm bulbs than I do with 420nm. If you use 4 I would go with 2 of each. If you use only 1 I would go with 460nm. If you use 2 I would use one of each.