light choice

[ddboy]

I want to know what do difference kelvin in the lights do?
I have just set up a new MH with 2 10,000k and 2 actinic blue power compact. the 10,000k lights are just a little too bright and white that I can hardly see the blues. I want to see some blues and don't know what are the effects different degrees of K's has in terms of color and the health of corals.
Thanks for the help

 

[matt819]

More kelvins will produce a brighter/whiter light, the less kelvins you get a more yellow light...some mix 12,000k bulbs with a true actinic even...I think it's pretty much your personal preference as to what spectrum you'd like on your tank. I'm personally going to go with 2 10,000k bulbs and a couple actinincs myself...maybe your halides have too much wattage for ya? just a thought...and I'm no expert.

 

[thegrog]

The power compacts are no match for the light output of a MH. The blue is getting drown out. Go with a 14,000K or a 15,000K MH bulb. That will give you much more blue and then you can adjust it easier with actinics for more blue or 10,000K for more white.

 

[ddboy]

thanks for the advise. I was thinking of getting 14000k, but will 20,000k be too much blue? and what effects do the different Kelvins has on corals, this is not a reef tank. It is more of a fish tank with some hardy corals and clams and anemones.
Thanks again for all your help.

 

[ezee]

DDBoy,
I am definitely no expert either but that does actually sound like a reef tank. Do you mean that it is not like an SPS or LPS coral tank. Any coral (hardy or not) and a clam, etc. is usually a reef tank indicator. But I may be incorrect.
E

 

[bill f]

ddboy,
is that you from C.H. NJ. If so, are you starting over on this sight, (2 posts)?
Also, I need to see pics of the new tank.
If you not welcome to the boards.

 

[ddboy]

I am from LA. I have been reading alot of post to learn and get ideas on my tank. I will post my tank pictures when I have a chance to take some pictures. I was thinking about getting more corals as I think my system can handle it. I have an Ecosystem with my tank. But my favorite fish is a Queen angels. that's why I haven't added any more corals to it. I have 7 fishes in there right now including a dwarf lion, small hippo tang, small orange shoulder tang, small purple tang, 2 clowns, 1 twinspot goby. I am ready to add my queen angel. I was thinking of adding a medium to large size to the tank. And every one told me that would kill all the corals i have in there. That's why I haven't add it yet. Any suggestion on corals that it will not kill?
thanks

 

[ddboy]

and here is a couple picture of my tank. I don't think I am the guy you guys are referring to.