10,000k vs. 20,000k

[ccrljmr]

What exactly is the difference between 10,000k and 20,000k bulbs? Is one better than the other? I just got a 150W HQI 20000k. Just curious.

 

[larrynews]

i believe i have read it's color of the light but i'm sure someone on here know for sure...

 

[mudplayerx]

I think the higher the number is, the more of the spectrum the light emits, thus making the light whiter/more clear.

 

[22caddy]

20000k is more white blue. 10000k is more yellow. Most people it seems get better growth with 10000k. I personally like the color of 20000k.

 

[jay knows]

cc, can you post a pic of your new lights?

 

[ccrljmr]

here you go:

 

[ccrljmr]

another pic:

 

[jay knows]

very cool.. congrats. i am thinking of getting 2 175 w hqi mh's for my tank. i like the color it shows off at 20k kind of has an atinic look to it.
what brand is your fixture?

 

[ccrljmr]

Thanks....It's a Coralife Aqualight MH tank mount. I think it just came out. I've been wanting a good light for a while but it was hard to find one to fit my tank dimensions. As soon as I saw it, I got it. Gives off a nice cool blue glow. The shimmer it creates is awesome, too.

 

[pyro]

...you might want to consider removing the glass cover from you tank. It looks like it is deflecting a lot of light and might help get even more light into your tank. Looks great so far!

 

[xoxox]

Originally posted by Pyro
...you might want to consider removing the glass cover from you tank. It looks like it is deflecting a lot of light and might help get even more light into your tank. Looks great so far!
Agreed, but if you have fish that like to jump replace the top with eggcrate. It will focus the light down plus act as a barrier against jumpers.
I'm still waiting for one of my HQI 250 20,000 to burn its color in, its still very white. Those double ended bulbs sure have many different color ranges for different makers.

 

[ccrljmr]

I do have a watchman goby that I'm afraid might jump. What is eggcrate? Where can I buy it? Thanks

 

[xoxox]

Originally posted by ccrljmr
I do have a watchman goby that I'm afraid might jump. What is eggcrate? Where can I buy it? Thanks
Eggcrate is the white light reflectors you get at places like The Home Depo

 

[funkyman]

ccrljmr, I really dig that light. I was just considering upgrading to some form of halide lighting since some of the zoos I bought are not showing anything close to the coloring they had in the pictures of them before I got them.
Are there actinics and moonlights incorporated in it, or is it strictly a halide fixture? If you don't mind me asking, what did it cost? I found some online, but don't know if it's a good deal or not.
If you don't want to post it, you can email me at jbgula@adelphia.net

 

[acrylic51]

The ratings of the bulbs state what light spectrum they would emit... being that 5500k, 6500k would be of a yellow end of the spectrum good for plant life. Your 10k MH would be your daylight white light. 10k is a crisp white light not as stated earlier. Your 20K would be your blue end of the spectrum similar to a 03 bulb but that also depends on the brand of bulbs and ballast combination.
Bulbs will look different depending on ballasts driving them. There was a lamp study done and if you'd like the info email me at shwncbb@verizon.net