14k versus 20k MH (1 Viewer)

[oldmantran]

I am in the market to replace my MH bulb for my biocube HQI. It came with a 14k bulb (150w). Should I switched to a 20k bulb? The tank is currently stocked with 4 BTA's, 2 clowns, a pair of mandarins, a yellow tail damsel, a striped blenny, and a blood red. The only coral are some giant palys, zoas, frogspawn, pulsing xenias, and a ton of richordias.

No SPS. The tank always has a yellow tinge when the current 14k bulb is on. So what's your opinion?

 

[ange062]

I think it's a matter of personal preference, you won't notice any coral growth difference. For me, I think 20k is too blue looking. But if you think the 14k bulb is too yellow then give it a try. Also, different brand bulbs have very different definitions of "14K", some will look very blue while others more white/yellow. Radium and Ushio are both popular.

 

[Ostentum]

In your case it's all about personal preference. There are noticible shifts in coloration in sps and lps with different spectrum bulbs. Also there is noticible growth slowdown in sps with the higher k bulbs. If the bulbs are too yellow for you don't switch to. M or ushio which are more yellow then most. I would go with either reeflux 12k which are the bluest 12k bulbs I have seen. Phoenix 14ks are a great choice for hqi and radiums are really crisp white and blue with par output like a 12k bulb.

 

[oldmantran]

Thanks, Ostentum. That's a lot of options but I'm going with the Phoenix 14k and see how that goes.

 

[Ostentum]

Good choice I think you will like those. If I was running Hqi thats the way I would probably go. I do love the look of my radiums though.

 

[fishcraze_1]

Agree, you'll like Phoenix 14k

I have two tanks in my living room

One with 14 k which I loved, at least until i got the 20k

Which is now my favorite

 

[RR-MAN]

I love the crisp blue look of 20K. I have been running Reeflux 20K (400 watts) for the past 9 months; Today I ordered the 20K XM bulbs.

14K is nice but it's not blue enough for me. It's all personal preference.

 

[Ostentum]

RR have you tried the Radiums. Would like to see your thoughts on the reeflux v radiums. I have only used the 12k reeflux which are pretty blue for 12k bulbs, very similar to the radiums.

 

[RR-MAN]

RR have you tried the Radiums. Would like to see your thoughts on the reeflux v radiums. I have only used the 12k reeflux which are pretty blue for 12k bulbs, very similar to the radiums.

Yes I have. I definitely pick Radiums over Reeflux. I was disappointed with Reeflux, bulbs changed color after 6 months of use. I was hoping it lasts 7-8 months before I buy new bulbs.

Yeah I thought about the Radiums but decided to try the XM 20K. I was pleased with the 250/W 20K XM on the previous tank.

I'm hoping to have LEDs by next year.

 

[oldmantran]

First day of using the Phoenix 14k HQI bulb. It is definitely much bluer than the stock bulb (which I like) but it appears to be much 'weaker'. The strength of the lighting seems more on par with the Lowe's 6500 daylight bulb I have for the refugium. I will probably pack this back up and try to get a refund.

BEFORE


IMAG0906.jpg by oldmantran, on Flickr

AFTER

IMAG1317 by oldmantran, on Flickr

 

[RR-MAN]

Decrease the photo period since it's a new bulb (higher intensity/par), you don't want to bleach anything.

It won't be that blue after a week or so. It needs to burn for few days then you can actually see the true color.

I just got my XM bulbs, will see how it looks.


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[fishcraze_1]

What do you mean by weaker.

 

[oldmantran]

Decrease the photo period since it's a new bulb (higher intensity/par), you don't want to bleach anything.

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Crap, I wish I would have known this before. I had 2 new frags bleach on me on Day 2. Completely gone. Lesson learned though.

and I mean "weaker" meaning the penetration of the light to the lower parts of the tank appeared to be lacking. There were a lot more dark shadows and unlit spaces compared to my older bulb.

But this could be what John was talking about, needing a burn-in period.

 

[gabe_j]

keep inmind that it may look less bright but there's still plenty of light hitting that water. its a biocube, its not really that deep to begin with.

 

[fishcraze_1]

Yeah. You should have enough penetration on that Biocube. I'm using them on 21" high tank about 4" above water line and growing lps, purple monti cap on sand bed