MH lights - 10K, 14K, or 20K?

Which is the better bulb? Do corals, algae, etc respond better to blue
light?

--Kurt

Hi..

Which is the better bulb? Do corals, algae, etc respond better to blue
light?

Well there is no specific answer to your question..!

Would you mind describe the tank and it's eventual inhabitants..?

cu
Marco

Marco Schwarz wrote:
Would you mind describe the tank and it's eventual inhabitants..?

anemones, coral, fish, cleanup crew...

The higher kelvin grows more coraline algae, and the
corrals like it, and may grow better, but In my opinion,
I'd go with the 10k as it gives a more natural color. If
you want more actinic, ad vho actinic bulbs. Also the
higher kelvin bulbs darken up faster, and you loose useful
life of the bulbs faster. 10K is my preference. 14k looks
nice, and 20k is just too much. If all you wanted to grow
was coraline algae, then actinic would be the bulb of
choice :-)

Wayne Sallee
Wayne's Pets



KurtG wrote on 12/26/2006 12:10 PM:

Which is the better bulb? Do corals, algae, etc respond better to blue
light?

--Kurt

KurtG wrote:

Which is the better bulb? Do corals, algae, etc respond better to blue
light?

--Kurt
To be honest the lower K bulbs will put out more usable light than the
higher K bulbs, but it usually is not enough of a difference to make it
a deal breaker.

You will find that the higher K bulbs do not last as long either.

No the best bulb for you though is the bulb that makes your tank look
the way you want it to look and provides enough light for the creatures
you want to keep. There is no best bulb for all situations.

AS for the need of blue light. Yes most photosynthic marine orginizimes
can use blue light, but there is no real evidence to show that they
respond better.

Kim

KurtG wrote:

Which is the better bulb? Do corals, algae, etc respond better to blue
light?

--Kurt

Slightly, yes.

generally, i'd go with the 10K if you are supplementing with t5 of CF
actinics. Otherwise go with a 20K.

Problem is, 20K from one manufacturer is NOT going to be the same
spectrum as a 20K from another manufacturer.

Thanks all.

--Kurt



Add Homonym wrote:
KurtG wrote:

Which is the better bulb? Do corals, algae, etc respond better to
blue light?

--Kurt

Slightly, yes.

generally, i'd go with the 10K if you are supplementing with t5 of CF
actinics. Otherwise go with a 20K.

Problem is, 20K from one manufacturer is NOT going to be the same
spectrum as a 20K from another manufacturer.

MH light system is usually in the vegetative growth phase of hydrogen. This type of spectrum of light appears blue color is white high pressure sodium lamp place will be issued as more of a golden late summer evening.

The college kelvin grows added coraline algae, and the corrals like it, and may abound better, but In my opinion, I'd go with the 10k as it gives a added accustomed color. If you wish added actinic, ad vho actinic bulbs. Also the higher kelvin bulbs becloud up faster, and you apart useful life of the bulbs faster. 10K is my preference.