20K bulb question

[justahobby]

Thinking ahead to my next bulb purchase, On a 58 gallon 21" tall I currently run a phoenix 14k DE on a 250w icecap for about 6hrs a day. I am growing tired of arranging all my coral to indirect lighting (including SPS). Would a 20k allow me to place corals closer without bleaching and would it affect my growth much considering the depth of my tank is fairly short?

[Kyle46N]

I don't know the answer to your question.... but I can give you my experience. 2x250 halide 20k, and I have various corals directly under the light with no bleaching. Couple SPS's...I have a purple trumpet directly underneath and it grows fast. Have torches underneath...and they are okay also.

[justahobby]

Thanks for replying Kyle, your 75 is 21" tall right? Bleaching was a little strong of wording as not everything bleaches, I guess shriveling would be a better description. But I could never put trumpets directly under unless a few inches from the bottom. I used to run the lights for 9 hrs, then 8, now 6 trying to be able fill up the space underneath the light. I guess I need a riterri in the middle so I don't have this void :bigsmile:. That or get rid of some LR and go for a more "clean" look. That's why I am hoping to hear from more people saying if a bluer 20K will be less harsh or not.

[Kyle46N]

Yes, it's 21".

[kkiel02]

I have zoas, sps and some hammer all very close to the top of my tank but my lights are also about 14" above my tank. Everything seems to be growing well especially my sps.

Forgot to mention I'm running reeflux 20ks. I am thinking 12k next as I have actinic vhos that are making my tank a little to blue to my liking.

[justahobby]

14"?? Sounds like alot. I haven't toyed with raising the fixture. It's a 36" and my ballast cord isn't very long. I will have to attach the ballast to my stand and that will give me a few inches to play with. I wasn't sure how much light would spill out. Hmm...