5500K vs 6500K vs 12000K MH bulbs

frogger

frogger

Member
What is the difference (other than K units) in these three bulbs? If I have two 48" flos (actinic) to supplement does it matter what bulb I get? Also, does it matter if I put a 12000k on one side and a 5500k on the other?
Tanks!
 
ebeckels

ebeckels

Active Member
I believe that the lesser the K the more yellow tint u'll see...and the higher k will be more pure white.
 
adrian

adrian

Active Member
The Kevlin temp of a bulb is related to the color spectrum the bulb emits, ex.4K=red, 55K=yellow, 65K=yellow/white, 10K=white, 12K=white/blue, 20K=blue, this varies to a degree with brand and type of bulb. If you have florescent actinics you can use a lower kelvin bulb, but it was also depend on what type of florescents you have, normal output or VHO, with NO you could use 10K and get a pretty good color, but a lower K bulb may be too intense for the NO to supplement. With VHO your tank may be too blue with 10K and you may want to try a 55-65K bulb. Its really a matter of opinion, but lower K bulb tend to cast less, last longer, and burn brighter that higer K bulbs. HTH
 
1

10k

Guest
I am currently running two VHO actinics and 12k halides. The 12ks are eye appealing (ice blue), but I personally would recomend 10k or lower for growth rate and a more natural look. The sun is around 62k at mid day so 65k is really the closest thing to true daylight. It really is a matter of personal preference though. :)
 
luke

luke

Member
Frogger - It is personal Opinion, and what you plan to keep. The deeper the water the species come from the bluer the light they will require (generally). Yes you can run different bulbs on different sides of the tank, but It will look funny. I ran a 10000k next to a 5500k for a while, but it looked bad. I personally like the 6500k and 10000k the most (probably the 10k more)
Adrian - you are right about the Kelvin numbers and colors, but about your statement it varies from bulb to bulb (although you are right because the kelvin ratings vary), a kelvin rating relates to a specific color, by definition it cannot vary :)
10k - Daylight can range from 5500k (direct sunlight at noon) to 30000k (blue skies).
Luke
 
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