14K or 20K ?????

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by ladwpwrkr, Jun 25, 2010.

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  1. ladwpwrkr

    ladwpwrkr Fire Worm

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    Ok so I am replacing my 150w MH 10K. I was told by the lfs guy that 20K is a more blue looking light and the 10K is a more crisp white looking light. I am trying to decide between the 14K, 16K, or 20K. Whats the difference? And any benefits from either? or is it a matter of personal preference.

    I also have 2 96w PC actinic's as well. Any advice and/or help would be greatly appreciated.

    Currently have 2 clowns, orange diamond goby, lemon peal mimic tang, pistol shrimp, and 1 mushroom.
     
    ladwpwrkr, Jun 25, 2010
    ladwpwrkr, Jun 25, 2010
    #1

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  2. veedubshafer

    veedubshafer Banned

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    What do you have now? Is there something you don't like about the color or growth you have now? If you change it you can just go back the next time you need a new bulb.
     
    veedubshafer, Jun 25, 2010
    veedubshafer, Jun 25, 2010
    #2
  3. benbabcock

    benbabcock Bubble Tip Anemone

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    totally preference for you! if the only coral you have is a low light mushroom, you ca get away with whatever you like!(14K would be my choice)
     
    benbabcock, Jun 25, 2010
    benbabcock, Jun 25, 2010
    #3
  4. ladwpwrkr

    ladwpwrkr Fire Worm

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    I currently have a 150w MH 10K......I am starting to get some red slime algae and according to the lfs guy I should replace the bulbs. I bought the lighting used about 8 months ago. Time to replace them.
     
    ladwpwrkr, Jun 25, 2010
    ladwpwrkr, Jun 25, 2010
    #4
  5. ladwpwrkr

    ladwpwrkr Fire Worm

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    Why do YOU prefer the 14K? What do YOU like about the 14K? VS 10K or 20K? I eventually will get more corals.
     
    ladwpwrkr, Jun 25, 2010
    ladwpwrkr, Jun 25, 2010
    #5
  6. sostoudt

    sostoudt Giant Squid

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    yo want growth go with closer to 10k you want color go closer to 20k
     
    sostoudt, Jun 25, 2010
    sostoudt, Jun 25, 2010
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  7. Dingo

    Dingo Giant Squid

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    Just get high end bulbs... lighting is truly one thing that you get exactly what you pay for. Try to stick with these brands; phoenix, radium, ushio, and SPS. For a 150 DE i would get phoenix 14k.

    You really dont have to worry about the effect of lighting on growth... it effects growth, however not to an extent that is noticeable in our tanks. The spectral outputs between the high end bulbs are all very close (relatively speaking) compared to sunlight.
     
    Dingo, Jun 25, 2010
    Dingo, Jun 25, 2010
    #7
  8. Night-Rida

    Night-Rida Finback Whale

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    x2 on that. phoenix 14k is a popular bulb even though it looks closer to a 20k (bluish hue) but still has good par/growth numbers.
     
    Night-Rida, Jun 25, 2010
    Night-Rida, Jun 25, 2010
    #8
  9. PackerFan12

    PackerFan12 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    I have phoenix 14k bulbs and love them. I think it is the perfect mix between color and growth because I have an atinic and a ATI deep blue bulbs and its awesome so imo i would go with the 14s
     
    PackerFan12, Jun 25, 2010
    PackerFan12, Jun 25, 2010
    #9
  10. ladwpwrkr

    ladwpwrkr Fire Worm

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    thanks everyone for ur opinions
     
    ladwpwrkr, Jun 26, 2010
    ladwpwrkr, Jun 26, 2010
    #10
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