MH Bulbs?

[SLAYCHILD]

Can someone explain to me what the difference between the different bulbs. Like 5k, 10k, 12k, 14k, and 20k
What makes them different.

[hobogato]

light spectrum. the brand also makes a difference. some 10kk bulbs are more blue than others etc.

i run 14kk coralvue SE bulbs which are somewhat blue, but not as blue as XM 15kk and certainly not as blue as a 20kk bulb. i also run 10kk coralvue reeflux DE bulbs which are almose pure white. best thing to do would be see some tanks with different bulbs to decide the coloration you like.

[gjuarez]

The higher the kelvin rating, the more blue it looks. 5K is on the yellow side while 20k would be towards the violet side. 10k is what I use because you get a good combination of intensity and nice color. 14k is whitish with a bluis tint

[SLAYCHILD]

I have a 14K HQI MH and it looks more yellow then anything. I think im gonna go with a 20K to get more of that blue color. Thanks Ace

[discuspro]

How long have you had the 14K? They shouldn't start out yellow, but they will turn yellow as they age and that is a definite sign to replace. I've heard going to higher Kelvin temperatures (20K) may sacrifice growth for color, but don't hold me to that. What kind of coral/stuff are you growing, because that can make a slight difference to whether what temperature you should use.

BTW: people usually supplement with actinics of fluorescent type bulbs to give more of the blue side of the spectrum. Also people often use 10K metal halides to get good growth along with the actinics to get the best of both worlds (color and growth).

[TroyPham]

got 3-250wtt 10k ushio DE's if anyone wants.

[discuspro]

Sorry, what is DE? Dual-end?

I actually need a 10K 250W mogul base/single-ended bulb.

[GaryP]

Sorry, what is DE? Dual-end?

I actually need a 10K 250W mogul base/single-ended bulb.

We'll be raffling 3 EVC 10K at the meeting tomorrow.

DE = double ended

SE = single ended mogul.