MH..10k or 13k, what's the diff???

[smiley=dizzy.gif] I'm ordering a set of 250w halides and I have the choice of 10k or 13k bulbs to come with them. What is the difference? Is the 13k just brighter? Or is there a color difference also?

Thanks for all help in advance,

CowboyUp [smiley=cowboy.gif]

 

There is a little bit of color difference, the 13k is a bit bluer than the 10k. Take a look at this page,


http://www.cameraguild.com/technology/kelvin.htm

http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/saltwater/greco_lighting.html

 

Those were two interesting articles. Thank you
Jim

 

[smiley=2thumbsup.gif] Hey Scuba - Thanks for the awesome info!! Both sites were very useful.

Thanks,

CowboyUp [smiley=cowboy.gif]

 

Not all 13K's have blue to them 13K's such as Aqua Medic AB 10000 bulbs are rated at 13K but are not blue at all, they actually shine white like a 10K. This also goes for the Geismann Megachrome 13K it also is very white.

 

it said in the article that for every food your MH is above your aquarium it loses half the intensity. should i lower mine. mine are 10" above the water does that mean that i have about half the intesity. the site said to put them at about 6" but won't that be very hot and dangerous for your creatures. what should i do.

 

Thanks Shawnz28 - I'm not sure of the brand name of bulbs that I will be getting with the retro kit. I think I will go with the 13k anyway. If I get a little blue that's cool, if not, it'll be ok for now.

CowboyUp [smiley=cowboy.gif]

 

Birdlady - By the way I read the article, you may want to lower your lights. I also read an article on WetWebMedia and it pretty much said the same thing. Heat is one of the drawbacks of MH lighting that we all have to figure out a way to deal with. I'm installing 2 additional fans in my canopy to help with this.

CowboyUp [smiley=cowboy.gif]

 

ok should i put it at 6" or 8". I have a fan that i use to cool my tank. it blows thru the pendants

 

i did it...i lowered it from about 9.5"-10" to about 6.5". do u think it will make a big difference in my tank. I will have to watch my temp tomarrow when the lights go on. Like I said before,i have a fan which has seemed to help in the past but now there closer.