10k 14k 20k???

[ahren]

i just got a 250 watt metal halide today im so happy

but im trying to figure out what bulb to go with? the lfs recomended a 20k i was thinking more along the lines of a 14k. my tanks 20" deep. any ideas??

 

[usirchchris]

I don't know a whole lot about lighting...the higher the K value the more blue...beyond that, I don't know if there is a benefit beyond the aesthetics. Great avatar

!! good looking dog.

 

[nycbob]

go with 14k. 20k wouldnt give u much growth of ur corals.

 

[jackri]

Do you have any supplemental blue actinic lighting?
I have actinic t-5's and 2 - 250w 10K's.
The 10k's are a bit on the yellow side for me so I'll probably switch to 14k's next time but you'll get (supposedly) better growth the lower number you go but the color will be more yellowish. Growth with be slower with 20k's and 14k's but you'll have a whiter/bluer look to your tank.
Side note... know a tank running just 20k's with fantastic growth.

 

[nanoized]

I prefer 20k if there is no actinic supplementation.
Yeah the growth slows but the 20k simply looks better to me.
Maybe get both and start off with a 14k...get the growth you want then switch over to a 20k.

 

[jackri]

I agree with the 20k's looking sooo nice.

 

[05xrunner]

I like Phoenix 14k's ALOT..Very high par and a nice bluish hue and no actinics are really needed and makes your corals pop

 

[ahren]

im not going to be supplementing with actinic. im thinking about start with a 14 get some growth then switch to a 20. the wife's guna love me have to buy two bulbs