6,500k vs 10,000k MH bulbs

[jeo]

What I really want is white light with a blue tint. I plan on having supplemental 03 bulbs of some kind whether I go with 10,000k or 6,500k MH bulbs.
Also, Ihave heard 6,500k Iwaski bulbs are brighter than most 10,000k bulbs, is this ture?
Aone more thing, what wattage would be appropriare for a 75 gal tank. I was planning on 250 watt, but I could get a 400 watt setup for almost exactly the same price. I would expect this to make a big difference in light output. Do I have to worry about a lot more heat with 400 watt bulbs?
thanks

 

[10k]

If you really want white with a blue tint, you need 12k's. But I would personally recommend true 10k's. I am running 12k's now. They look fantastic, but my acros are suffering tremendously. I've lost three 6in colonies since I switched. I'll be going to True 10k's very soon...

 

[jeo]

thanks for the advice, but I really don't want 12k's, I have heard they have a lot of problems including dimmness and colors shifting.
I was pretty sure that 10ks with supplemental 03's would be white with a blue tint, I was wondering if I could get away with 6,500k bulbs and still have white light though.

 

[david s]

I run 10k ab bulbs they are nice and crisp white then I have 2/65 pc 7100 atinic for the blue nice look imo. with lights lower k is towards the yellow looking 10k seem to be crisp white and higher 12k lean towards blue imo 12k dont look as bright to the eye tho

 

[david s]

btw when u come to grab skimmer U can see my lights jermy at lfs here has 10k ab bulbs for 79 bucs

 

[justin_ny]

i also running my 55 gallon tank with 10K bulb. the light is really bright, and all my coral open more often.along my MH i also put 220 PC, Actinic. that make my tank is blue.

 

[10k]

Originally posted by jeo:
<strong>thanks for the advice, but I really don't want 12k's, I have heard they have a lot of problems including dimmness and colors shifting.
I was pretty sure that 10ks with supplemental 03's would be white with a blue tint, I was wondering if I could get away with 6,500k bulbs and still have white light though.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Yes, I have problems with my 12k's shifting and flickering, even on Ice Cap ballasts...
You should be fine with 65k's as long as you supplement with the 03's. The light won't appear as white...more of a yellow...to your eyes. I've heard some amazing SPS growth stories with 65k's too. Good Luck and keep us posted..

 

[diatom]

I personally perfer the Ushio 10k bulbs, although not s bright as the eye bulbs they have a nice color to them and have a pretty decent PAR.
I supplement them with VHO Actinics because it increases the florensence of my corals.