[jmscarl]

10k ? 14k? 20K? any thoughts or pro or cons?

[glampka]

The higher the temperature the more blue. It all comes down to personal preference. Also all bulbs are not created equal. You will see differences from one manufacturer to the next.

[jmscarl]

i would like a more blueish appearance in the tank..14k? or is 20k too dark..mixed reef soft,lps,sps corals in tank..I have 10k now ,I think that sometimes it seems too bright with those

[kenwildner]

I have used 20k with either VHO or Compact Fourescent Actinics since the mid 1990's. Nothing brings out the intense colors more. If it seems dark, just up the wattage of the bulbs. 250w halides with either VHO or Comp. Flor. will light anything 30" deep or less. It will light 36" deep if your not concerned w/SPS or some LPS. Most tanks 24" or less will do fine w/ 175w halides and actinic flourescents.

[jmscarl]

Thanks For The Imput...my Hood Has 2 250 Watt Bulbs.plus Two 96 Watt Blues 120 Galon 48x24x24.. I Think I Will Be Switching To The 20 K For My Selfish Reasons..just Wanted To Know If The Corals Will Suffer..guess Not Ty

[jmscarl]

What Brand Is Better

[kenwildner]

These are the ones I've used.

Champion Lighting & Supply :: Lighting :: Metal Halide :: Metal Halide Lamps :: 250W Lamps :: 250w 20000k BlueLine MH Lamp

If you call tell Perry, Ken said hello, although he's probalby forgotten me by now.

[72fishboy]

i've got two 250 MH w/ 14500 blubs plus 2 65watt actinic blue compacts (in the front) and i gotta say that i will be getting 20000 for my next bulb. 14500 just arent blue enough.