MH/T5 Color Questions

I finally decided after much research on the forum and many hours of price comparison to order the Ice Cap Retrofit with the 660 ballast with 2-T5's. I decided on Giesemann Bulbs 1-Aqua Blue 1- Pure Actinic. I already have the Ice Cap electronic ballast so I ordered the Ice Cap 250W DE Pendant. I plan on running the schedule like this:
T5's 5AM-8PM
MH-12PM-6PM
Moonlights 8PM-10PM
I like the Blue Color in my tank, but my question is for photosynthetic purposes will it be ok to go with a 20,000K bulb or will I need at least a 14,000K bulb for my MH? Thanks!

JH

 

It's all preference. Generally, the higher the k, the slower growth, but better color.

 

I would go with the 14000K and run the T5 8AM to 8PM.

 

Are you buying frags or are you buying full grown colonies? If you still need growth, go with 14k......if not, go with 20k

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the answers. Any reccomendations on bulb brand? I have been running XM 20,000K before I ordered the T5's but I noticed alot of people on here are partial to Ushio. Thanks again, I really do appreciate the help, I've been in this hobby going on 6 years now, and you never stop learning there is always more to know!

 

For 20k, you can't beat radium. I've found the Ushio are not as blue as other bulbs. You may want to consider a 14k Phoenix. It's much bluer than most other 14k bulbs and has good PAR ratings.