14K or 20K ?????

I use XM’s or Ushio, I prefer the brands for price and reliable spectrum – I have a three MH HQI’s and I run 15K’s on the ends and 10K in the middle. My tank is aquascaped with the ends higher and the middle low – I prefer the effect of this. As mentioned already – this is all preference.

Also my preference is to swap out my 96W 50/50 PC’s every 5 months and my MH’s every 6-7 months.

 

Kepp in mind that the spectrum of bulb reflects the depth of sea level it is recreating. If you have a tidepool species in your tank and you put a deep water spectrum light, chances are, your animal will not thrive. 20000K bulbs simulate deep water, where basically only blue light penetrates, approx 50-80ft down. Factor in what you have in your tank, what spectrum of lighting it needs to survive, then base your decision on that. Aesthetics are important to us, but survival should be the top factor.

 

Go back to LFS and check our their tanks and ask what K bulbs they have over them. Try to check out other shops too. I have 250w, started with 10k Reeflux, now using 14k Phoenix. I'm liking the 14k.

 

I just installed a 150W 14K MH......WOW what a difference between the 10K and 14K! I love it! It looks awesome! So much better! Thanks everyone (again) for all your input!! I also just got in my 2 96W blue actinic's as well......unfortunately, they were linear pin, and I need square pin:-[.......I cant wait to exchange em and get those installed.

 

if you get 20k you will get lots of coloration from your corals, if you get 10k you will get more growth

 

glad your happy with the new lights.. I hope your getting uvl super actinics or 454nm pc bulbs on your exchange. also a FTS pic would be great.

 

14K is good