PLEASE VOTE!

[gemz]

Just thought of a second poll! in reference to the type of Kelvin you prefer.. please use poll to pick kelvin and then give a short explanation as to why you prefer this...Whether it be for better growth or aesthetics...Thanks again guys!

[alton]

12K

[ACE]

If you have any actinic bulbs then 12K for growth. If you do not have actinic then 20K.

[Jarob]

DITTO!


If you have any actinic bulbs then 12K for growth. If you do not have actinic then 20K.

[justahobby]

I have enjoyed good growth and color with my phoenix 14k. I barely see a difference when I flip actinics on, but I am using compact flourescents, the SPS (South Pacific Sunlight) 460 nm that have light blue coloring vs. the deeper violet 420nm.

[kkiel02]

I like 10k with a nice actinic supplement. Right now I am running 2 20k 250watt with vho super actinics and it looks nice but would like some more growth. I have done the cf with 10k and actinics and a couple different t5 combos but with the mh I think that 10 or 12k with actinics will give me better growth with a nice color. Hope that helps.

[devonian]

i like the 20K because then do not need the actinic supplements

[Ping]

I bet I am the only old school 65K.

[stoneroller]

10K for growth and 14K for color

[cpreefguy]

I bet I am the only old school 65K.
I remember the days of 6500K and VHO Super Actinics! :shades:
People got awesome growth and coloration with that combo

[JimD]

Im seriously considering going back to the Iwasaki, seems I cant get more thasn 6 months out of any decent 10k before they shift and its getting a tad pricey... I still have a couple 65k's and they look pretty good on an electronic ballast with actinics and they seem to last forever.

[gemz]

thanks for the posts guys!...might have to look into these combos for my own tanks..i havnt had my reef for too long so only using the bulbs the fixture came with..not yet been able to experiment...im getting good growht but the colors, me and my bf (joshodphi) feel they could be a little better...that might be a while..gonna have to milk these bulbs a bit as were a bit tight on cash right now..not to worry tho:bigsmile:

[Ping]

Jim, Troy Valentine has studied Sanjay Yoshi's work and says the old non electronic tar ballasts I have drive the Iwasaki's the best.

[Paul28]

here is a neat site i yoused many year ago not shur what happen to the guy
http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm

[JimD]

Jim, Troy Valentine has studied Sanjay Yoshi's work and says the old non electronic tar ballasts I have drive the Iwasaki's the best.

Interesting, maybe its just my eyes but on an e ballast they dont appear to have as much of the greenish tint to them as with a mag ballast.... Ill have to pull out my old pfo and do a comparison.... Should be interesting... Im sure the tar ballast would offer the longest life, just wonder how the e ballast is effecting the spectrum... Very cool link Paul, lots of good information, should be archived.....

[vman181]

I'm using 12K Coral Lite bulbs right now but looking to change to the phoenix 14k. Is there a big difference in price between the two?