corallover23
Member
the higher the k the slower the growth? like 10k the fastest growth and 20k the slowest growth?
is this true?
- Thread starter corallover23
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corallover23
Member
so the 20k metal halides arnt good for my tank?
mr_x
Active Member
i don't think you understand the question spanko.
my answer to that would be- no.
different corals require different lighting, as do plant life. plants seem to like the redder spectrum (6500k and below), and don't seem to do as well with the daylight bulbs we use for most corals. that's why high pressure sodium fixtures are common in the keeping of plants.
deep water corals do best in a higher kelvin light- this is the light they are used to, in deeper water. the shallower corals do best under a lower kelvin.
i believe that if you expose a deep water coral to a lower kelvin lamp, it will not have better growth. i think it will suffer.
a coral that is used to a lower kelvin in it's natural habitat will definitely do better with a similar lamp in captivity.
sound good?
my answer to that would be- no.
different corals require different lighting, as do plant life. plants seem to like the redder spectrum (6500k and below), and don't seem to do as well with the daylight bulbs we use for most corals. that's why high pressure sodium fixtures are common in the keeping of plants.
deep water corals do best in a higher kelvin light- this is the light they are used to, in deeper water. the shallower corals do best under a lower kelvin.
i believe that if you expose a deep water coral to a lower kelvin lamp, it will not have better growth. i think it will suffer.
a coral that is used to a lower kelvin in it's natural habitat will definitely do better with a similar lamp in captivity.
sound good?
spanko
Active Member
So X lower K rated for shallower species and algaes, higher K for deeper water coral where the blue spectrum penetrates and the yellow - red is filtered out by the water. Is this correct?
I had always thought that if you wanted better coral growth you got it from a 10k bulb,but for more aesthetically appealing coral the higher K say 14 - 20 would show color better but inhibit growth some.
I had always thought that if you wanted better coral growth you got it from a 10k bulb,but for more aesthetically appealing coral the higher K say 14 - 20 would show color better but inhibit growth some.
mr_x
Active Member
Originally Posted by spanko
http:///forum/post/2626063
So X lower K rated for shallower species and algaes, higher K for deeper water coral where the blue spectrum penetrates and the yellow - red is filtered out by the water. Is this correct?
I had always thought that if you wanted better coral growth you got it from a 10k bulb,but for more aesthetically appealing coral the higher K say 14 - 20 would show color better but inhibit growth some.
i'm no expert. but that's how i understand it. actually, the higher the PAR, the more growth. there are some 14k lamps out there that are higher in PAR than 10k ones.
http:///forum/post/2626063
So X lower K rated for shallower species and algaes, higher K for deeper water coral where the blue spectrum penetrates and the yellow - red is filtered out by the water. Is this correct?
I had always thought that if you wanted better coral growth you got it from a 10k bulb,but for more aesthetically appealing coral the higher K say 14 - 20 would show color better but inhibit growth some.
i'm no expert. but that's how i understand it. actually, the higher the PAR, the more growth. there are some 14k lamps out there that are higher in PAR than 10k ones.
digitydash
Active Member
My understanding was 10k got better growth and the 20k gave the corals better color.
corallover23
Member
Originally Posted by spanko
http:///forum/post/2626079
Interesting thank you.
Sorry for the highjack corallover23, got a little carried away.
no problem, i learn something new every day. im looking at new lighting and cam acroos a thing talking about the k.. saltwater hobby give me a headache lol.
so what i understand is:........... if i change my 20k to 14k i will get nice color and growth?
http:///forum/post/2626079
Interesting thank you.
Sorry for the highjack corallover23, got a little carried away.
no problem, i learn something new every day. im looking at new lighting and cam acroos a thing talking about the k.. saltwater hobby give me a headache lol.
so what i understand is:........... if i change my 20k to 14k i will get nice color and growth?
digitydash
Active Member
That is what most run to get both.
mr_x
Active Member
Originally Posted by digitydash
http:///forum/post/2626088
My understanding was 10k got better growth and the 20k gave the corals better color.
here's a quote from a study, posted on a different reefkeeping url:
Does lamp spectra influence coral coloration? We tend to think not (although caveats do apply). Our contentions are these: Zooxanthellae play an important part in coral growth and, hence, pigmentation. Zooxanthellae require only a certain amount of light for the process of photosynthesis. Further, zooxanthellae require light in the blue and red portions of the spectrum (and other portions if accessory pigments are present). When light levels no longer increase the rate of photosynthesis, the process is "saturated". We believe that light saturation can occur in particular portions of the spectrum (that is, blue or red or green) with most lamps. Lamp Kelvin temperature does not matter if sufficient amounts of certain portions of the spectrum are produced. However, aesthetics play an important part in display aquaria and lamp Kelvin temperature is likely a prime consideration.
Based on our studies and observations, we believe that light intensity of at least 125-150 µE (6,250 - 7,500 lux) is required for colorful Acropora nana specimens. Four 40-watt regular output fluorescent lamps will produce this much radiation to a depth of about 6 inches in an aquarium. Two 110watt VHO fluorescent lamps will deliver a sufficient amount of radiation to a depth of 18 inches.
http:///forum/post/2626088
My understanding was 10k got better growth and the 20k gave the corals better color.
here's a quote from a study, posted on a different reefkeeping url:
Does lamp spectra influence coral coloration? We tend to think not (although caveats do apply). Our contentions are these: Zooxanthellae play an important part in coral growth and, hence, pigmentation. Zooxanthellae require only a certain amount of light for the process of photosynthesis. Further, zooxanthellae require light in the blue and red portions of the spectrum (and other portions if accessory pigments are present). When light levels no longer increase the rate of photosynthesis, the process is "saturated". We believe that light saturation can occur in particular portions of the spectrum (that is, blue or red or green) with most lamps. Lamp Kelvin temperature does not matter if sufficient amounts of certain portions of the spectrum are produced. However, aesthetics play an important part in display aquaria and lamp Kelvin temperature is likely a prime consideration.
Based on our studies and observations, we believe that light intensity of at least 125-150 µE (6,250 - 7,500 lux) is required for colorful Acropora nana specimens. Four 40-watt regular output fluorescent lamps will produce this much radiation to a depth of about 6 inches in an aquarium. Two 110watt VHO fluorescent lamps will deliver a sufficient amount of radiation to a depth of 18 inches.
mr_x
Active Member
i found a bit more-
"When it comes to metal halide color spectrum, there is no one general rule of thumb, but some general observations can be made. Many hobbyists use metal halide bulbs with a Kelvin rating of 6500, and these bulbs produce a warm yellow/white appearance that simulates the midday sun on a shallow reef. Bulbs of this color are well suited for high light demanding corals and clams. While hobbyists report great success using these bulbs, they often complain of their yellow appearance when used without supplemental actinic light. Another common bulb is the 10000-Kelvin bulb, which produces a white appearance with a slight hint of blue. Although many hobbyists have also had good results using these bulbs over most types of corals, some have noticed that coral growth rates are somewhat slower than those using 6500-Kelvin bulbs. Gaining much wider acceptance and use lately is the 20000-Kelvin bulb, often called a Radium, which has a blue colored appearance. These bulbs are better suited for deeper water soft corals and LPS, although many hobbyists have also had success using them over clams and SPS.
I have personally used all of the above Kelvin bulbs with the following results:
The 6500 Kevin bulbs have given me the greatest coral growth in SPS, LPS placed lower in the tank and even soft corals. The color of the 6500-Kelvin bulbs when supplemented with actinic VHO tubes produces a crisp white appearance. For those seeking the greatest growth rates from SPS corals, I would recommend this color bulb.
The 10000-Kelvin bulbs also achieve good growth rates, albeit slower than the 6500-Kelvin bulbs. Their appearance is white with a slight blue tint when used with actinic supplementation. Bulbs of this color have produced excellent growth with soft corals and LPS in my own tanks along with slower paced SPS growth. I would recommend this bulb for a mixed reef environment.
The 20000-Kelvin bulb is very blue and brings out all of the fluorescent pigments in many corals. While they are visually appealing, the growth rate of my SPS corals came to a complete standstill while using them. I feel that these bulbs are well suited for a tank that simulates a deeper reef environment with LPS and soft corals but from my own experience, I do not feel that they are the best choice for high light SPS and clams. One note about the 20000-Kelvin lamps: in order to get the best intensity and color from these bulbs, they require a special HQI ballast for them to be driven as intended. This ballast is similar to the standard metal halide ballast, but includes a special starter to fire the lamp."
"When it comes to metal halide color spectrum, there is no one general rule of thumb, but some general observations can be made. Many hobbyists use metal halide bulbs with a Kelvin rating of 6500, and these bulbs produce a warm yellow/white appearance that simulates the midday sun on a shallow reef. Bulbs of this color are well suited for high light demanding corals and clams. While hobbyists report great success using these bulbs, they often complain of their yellow appearance when used without supplemental actinic light. Another common bulb is the 10000-Kelvin bulb, which produces a white appearance with a slight hint of blue. Although many hobbyists have also had good results using these bulbs over most types of corals, some have noticed that coral growth rates are somewhat slower than those using 6500-Kelvin bulbs. Gaining much wider acceptance and use lately is the 20000-Kelvin bulb, often called a Radium, which has a blue colored appearance. These bulbs are better suited for deeper water soft corals and LPS, although many hobbyists have also had success using them over clams and SPS.
I have personally used all of the above Kelvin bulbs with the following results:
The 6500 Kevin bulbs have given me the greatest coral growth in SPS, LPS placed lower in the tank and even soft corals. The color of the 6500-Kelvin bulbs when supplemented with actinic VHO tubes produces a crisp white appearance. For those seeking the greatest growth rates from SPS corals, I would recommend this color bulb.
The 10000-Kelvin bulbs also achieve good growth rates, albeit slower than the 6500-Kelvin bulbs. Their appearance is white with a slight blue tint when used with actinic supplementation. Bulbs of this color have produced excellent growth with soft corals and LPS in my own tanks along with slower paced SPS growth. I would recommend this bulb for a mixed reef environment.
The 20000-Kelvin bulb is very blue and brings out all of the fluorescent pigments in many corals. While they are visually appealing, the growth rate of my SPS corals came to a complete standstill while using them. I feel that these bulbs are well suited for a tank that simulates a deeper reef environment with LPS and soft corals but from my own experience, I do not feel that they are the best choice for high light SPS and clams. One note about the 20000-Kelvin lamps: in order to get the best intensity and color from these bulbs, they require a special HQI ballast for them to be driven as intended. This ballast is similar to the standard metal halide ballast, but includes a special starter to fire the lamp."
spanko
Active Member
Wow thank you X. I now have some investigation / experimentation to do. My tank is a 29 bio cube with mostly SPS. I am now using a 150W Sunpod with a 14k Phoenix bulb. I think I may look for a 6700k (if they make them in DE configuration) to try out and see what affect they have on the SPS growth.
Here is a link to my tank if you would like to take a look.
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/305547/and-in-the-beginning#post_2474677
Here is a link to my tank if you would like to take a look.
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/305547/and-in-the-beginning#post_2474677
bang guy
Moderator
Originally Posted by Mr_X
http:///forum/post/2626074
i'm no expert. but that's how i understand it. actually, the higher the PAR, the more growth. there are some 14k lamps out there that are higher in PAR than 10k ones.
This is my understanding as well. It's the amount of food, trace elements, light, and water quality that determines growth, not the color of the light.
http:///forum/post/2626074
i'm no expert. but that's how i understand it. actually, the higher the PAR, the more growth. there are some 14k lamps out there that are higher in PAR than 10k ones.
This is my understanding as well. It's the amount of food, trace elements, light, and water quality that determines growth, not the color of the light.
corallover23
Member
thanks for all the help mr x
