10k, 14k, or 20k???

[Bill S]

Ace, it wasn't targeted at you... I want to re-arrange the tank, and then post new pix....

[stoneroller]

I've been running Phoenix 14k (250 DE) for several months. I think I am going back to 10ks for better zoanthid growth; I might consider the 12K reeflux. I have actinic supp. w/ T5s and PCs. Diversity rules!

[merlin0883]

I had thought about the diversity thing. Thought I could get 3 clamp-ons for my tank-- a 20k for the center and a 10 or 12k for each end, maybe run a t5 actinic strip across the front so as not to block the halide lights. I won't be getting huge pendants-- i only have a 55 gal, but 3 of the jbj viper 150 watts should be more than enough, right? Or can you have too much light?

[DrMark]

My aquarium started with two 400watt ushio 10K and actinics. I know that growth is good with the 10K, but felt it was too white.....too artificial. Couple of months ago, I switched to Hamilton 400watt 14K. I have been happy with the change. I am, however, interested in the 12Ks that have been mentioned.

[Bill S]

Mark, I switched from 400w Hamilton 14K to the Helios 20Ks, and I'm, so far, very happy with the switch.

[JimD]

Mark, I switched from 400w Hamilton 14K to the Helios 20Ks, and I'm, so far, very happy with the switch.

Got any pics of the Helios?

[matt]

There's a huge difference between the actual color of many 10k bulbs, same with 14k, same with 20k. As an example, the ushio 20k is exactly the same bulb as one of the Geisemann 14k bulbs. When manufacturers list the color temp of the bulb, there's no real standard. You can go to Sanjay Joshi's site where he has test many different MH bulbs on several ballasts and you'll get an idea.

The phoenix 14k (or is it 12k) bulbs are pretty high in PAR, and very blue in appearance. Most of the really blue bulbs are almost monochromatic, which means there is a very steep ****e in a very narrow wavelength band. To me, these bulbs have a nice blue color, but contrasts tend to get a little washed out. The nicest lighting overall that I've seen is a fairly white bulb, like the ushio or XM10ks, with good strong actinic support. I'm using the ushio 20k on my corner tank because I don't have an easy way to add actinics and the phoenix (as well as most 10k bulbs) are too high in intensity for my shallow tank.

[JimD]

"To me, these bulbs have a nice blue color, but contrasts tend to get a little washed out."

I couldnt agree more!