I was under the impression that 20k MHs were the best MHs but I've seen quite a few of you guys with 10k and 14k. I switched to a 175w 20k about six months ago and immediately noticed that it didn’t seem as bright as the old 14k and I've been having a problem with a few of my acro colonies dying out in the center where it's shaded by the branches. Do I need more watts or supplemental lighting? The tank is a 16g bow and it's 18" deep.
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MH lighting
- Thread starter GregW
- Start date
Most 20k bulbs do not have a high Par like you're old 14k's. The lower the K # usually means their brighter or more par. Here is some com parason from Sanjays site.
http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/
http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/
6.5K is almost a yellow light, giving high growth. Usually used by people in frag tanks for rapid growth.
10k is a whiteish light which most people use due to its high growth rate but does not bring out the color of coral very well and should be supplemented with anticics.
14k I like to call the equivilent of a Power Compact 50/50.... has decent growth but not as good as a 10k but has decent blue in it but not as good as a 20k.
20k is a very blue light and brings out the best color but the growth of your stock is slow.
I personally do not like 20k bulbs. The highest up I would go is a 14k. I myself like to use 10k with antinics because I can get really good growth and the antinics bring out good color.
Hope this helps!
10k is a whiteish light which most people use due to its high growth rate but does not bring out the color of coral very well and should be supplemented with anticics.
14k I like to call the equivilent of a Power Compact 50/50.... has decent growth but not as good as a 10k but has decent blue in it but not as good as a 20k.
20k is a very blue light and brings out the best color but the growth of your stock is slow.
I personally do not like 20k bulbs. The highest up I would go is a 14k. I myself like to use 10k with antinics because I can get really good growth and the antinics bring out good color.
Hope this helps!