MH...5500? 1,200? Which for What?

[captained]

Seriously thinking about adding a pair of MH lights to my existing PCs- they are two 24" 1/65/8,800K and 1/65/Ultra Actinic each. I think I have a handle on wattage (prolly 250's), but the kelvin ratings are beyond me. What's the difference (besides price!!) and why would I want one vs. another?
FYI, I'd like to add an Acropora and a few other things to my 65 besides the anemones.

 

[diatom]

Color is the difference.
6500 yellowish
10K white to white-blue
12K blue-white
20k blue

 

[captained]

Since I have 8,800K and Ultra Actinic PCs, I could save a few buck$ with either 5,500 or 6,500 MH bulbs and still have a pretty good spectrum? Then next year when I feel compulsive, I can get 10,000K bulbs.

 

[diatom]

I have 3 250 6500 Iwaski bulbs and VHO Actinics on my 125.
I's really a matter of perference. Nothing will be greatly affected either way...my suggestion try the 6500's and if you don't like the way they look next year try the 10k's.
HTH,
D~