MH Lamp Brand and Kelvin questions

[nickoz]

Im looking to get lamps for my 2x400w ballasts. I have been looking at different brand lamps as well as differnt kelvin rated lamps.
Other than looks does Kelvin matter. Im want to keep my options open, if I want to do sps, clams, softies, etc. Thinking in terms of livestock/coral health does it really matter if I do a 6500K, 10000K, 12000K, 14000K or 20000K?
Are certain bulbs simply better, in terms of light intesity, duration, color shift, etc.
-nick

 

[nickoz]

Keep in mind for the time being I will have no other supplemental light. Just the 2x400w MH on my 72bow.
-nick

 

[slick]

Well if you are just using the MH's it depends on what kind of look do you like. If you like the blue look go with the 14's it's not to blue for most people I know. They say 10k's are white but I have 2 on my tank and to me they look kinda yellow. I also like ushios

 

[heero_huy]

If you want the Best growth then the 6500K will do that but this bulb will be very yellow and will need a lot of vho supplements. But I see you'll be running the MH by itself so...
If you haven't bought the ballast then I'd look into getting a dual PFO HQI ballast coupled with 2 20,000k radium bulbs. This combo will give you a bright white color with a good amount of blue to it. A lot of people don't even bother with actinic supplements with this combo.
If you already have the ballast and just want bulbs the I would get the Aqualine Buschke bulbs. They have a very nice white with a little blue to it and their intensity is up there with ushio. The aqualine should get you by until you decide if you want actinics or not. I've seen a lot of people run the aqualines w/out actinics. I just all depends on your personal taste.
Have fun