Stupid Lighting Question

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by destinationluna, Jan 2, 2011.

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  1. destinationluna

    destinationluna Skunk Shrimp

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    Batavia, IL
    have a 250 watt MH 10k Bulb right now would it be possable to go to a 14k - 20k on the same ballest ? And What would the effects be with that? Brighter ? More Blue Light ? More Heat ? feed my old brain please
     
    destinationluna, Jan 2, 2011
    destinationluna, Jan 2, 2011
    #1

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  2. Nor_Cal_Guy

    Nor_Cal_Guy Gigas Clam

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    Yes on any K bulb. Brighter, not likely other then being a newer bulb. Not likely to make more heat either.
     
    Nor_Cal_Guy, Jan 2, 2011
    Nor_Cal_Guy, Jan 2, 2011
    #2
  3. destinationluna

    destinationluna Skunk Shrimp

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    sweet thanks. Any suggestions on good bulbs? What kind of MH bulbs are peeps using and how do you like them ?
     
    destinationluna, Jan 2, 2011
    destinationluna, Jan 2, 2011
    #3
  4. damon

    damon Sea Dragon

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    not into MH much but at the lfs different K look completely different. I think if I was going to try to make that call I would want to see some of the bulbs in person if I could, but some times I forget that most people don't have 3 lfs in 20min drive.
     
    damon, Jan 2, 2011
    damon, Jan 2, 2011
    #4
  5. Nor_Cal_Guy

    Nor_Cal_Guy Gigas Clam

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    I like Hamilton 20K personally. I have used XM and Ushio in the past.
     
    Nor_Cal_Guy, Jan 2, 2011
    Nor_Cal_Guy, Jan 2, 2011
    #5
  6. vtecintegra

    vtecintegra Fire Worm

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    I use phoenix 14K. Like a bluish look. Going to try 20K next.
     
    vtecintegra, Jan 2, 2011
    vtecintegra, Jan 2, 2011
    #6

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  7. aquariaman

    aquariaman Pajama Cardinal

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    i use phoenix 14k! it is a really good bulb and gives me just enough of blue and white. try it! :)
     
    aquariaman, Jan 2, 2011
    aquariaman, Jan 2, 2011
    #7
  8. jonjonwells

    jonjonwells Great Blue Whale

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    I use SPS 14Ks and really like the color. They are not the highest Par out there though.
    I have used Hamilton 14Ks as well with decent results and color.
     
    jonjonwells, Jan 2, 2011
    jonjonwells, Jan 2, 2011
    #8
  9. destinationluna

    destinationluna Skunk Shrimp

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    I think I read the higher the kelvin range the better it is for not growing algae too is this true. something about the GHA and that sort of nussance stuff likes the low kelvin at the top of the water. Not sure how true this is and you never know what you will read on the internet but figured id bring it up. See what everyone thought about that.

    Right now im running and odessea ballest with 1 250watt MH 4 24inch actinics and lunars. My LFS guy told me that its a good light just that they dont put the best bulbs in them. Other than that it works great its new so im sure the bulb has not gone bad yet but im sure I wont get a full year out of the MH bulb due to the guy I picked it up from selling the bulbs for $9.99. Kinda has me a bit skeptical on the hole bulb thing
     
    destinationluna, Jan 2, 2011
    destinationluna, Jan 2, 2011
    #9
  10. Nor_Cal_Guy

    Nor_Cal_Guy Gigas Clam

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    IME this is true. I had a 55g reef with 6 bulb t5 with one 10k and one 16k bulbs and four atnincs and I grew much more nuisance algae. I had no phosphate reactor then as well though.
     
    Nor_Cal_Guy, Jan 2, 2011
    Nor_Cal_Guy, Jan 2, 2011
    #10
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