Difference in metal halide bulbs.

S

siptang

Guest
So currently i have Ushio 250w bulb 14k. It's really bright white and I prefer more blueish color and this dude at the pet store said to get 20k and it's way more blue.
What are your thoughts on this?
does it effect the growth of the coral? I'm still fairly new in this lighting business so I'm not too sure.
If anyone has that bulb and can take a pic of their tank using only that bulb would be very much appreciated.
Thanks!
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
I say go with a Phoenix 14K....no white or yellow tint....and IMO justenough blue.....BUT (LOL) if you really want BLUE 20K would be it...too blue for me though
I found Ushio to be too yellow YUCK
 
S

siptang

Guest
You are definitely right.
I do find the colors to be too yellow.
I'm dying to see a pic of 20k bulb in a aquarium but can't find it via google... (i know.. shocking)
phoenix 14k huh? I will look into that. Thank yo so much Meowser!
One more quick question, what's the difference in regular brand bulbs and cheap bulbs from china?
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
cheap bulbs (from what I read) tend to be more yellow
Henry (SPANKO) always posts pics of 14k and 20K comparisons....will have to ask him
 
tangs rule

tangs rule

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///forum/thread/387276/difference-in-metal-halide-bulbs#post_3406392
cheap bulbs (from what I read) tend to be more yellow
Henry (SPANKO) always posts pics of 14k and 20K comparisons....will have to ask him
They are VERY yellow and red - I tried to save a bundle of $$ a few years ago by buying some - had a GHA breakout, and took them out in a week.....they are a total waste of $$.....I think deejeff on here recently tried some too - and got a gha problem and also had to buy the higher dollar/quality ones pretty soon after trying them.
 
S

siptang

Guest
I see. I just went ahead and ordered what you told me was the best meowser.
You haven't failed me so far and I'm sticking to ya lol.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
LOL...Well I hope you like them.....I can tell you I LOVE MINE on the 225G...I was very unhappy with the look of the tank until I got the Phoenex 14K's.....
 
S

siptang

Guest
Yea Jeff did tell me something about that.. i wonder why it causes gha...
I'm very eager to get it!!
 
michaeltx

michaeltx

Moderator
the more yellow the bulbs are the lower the K rating is. The lower the K rating the more the algae like GHA like it so they will grow faster in that light.
The higher K ratings then you go to where the coraline or hard algaes love and the can dominate and leave no where for the softer algaes to get a foot hold with.
Mike
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top