What's the difference?

[shaggyblz]

I need two MH's. The bulbs in my tank are 175w (20000k). Everytime I go to buy these they are sold out. However, there are plenty of 175w (15000k). How big is the difference between these two bulbs? Could I use these and be fine or would it be worth paying quite a bit more to go somewhere else and buy the originals? They are all the same brand. Thanks.

 

[wangotango]

The 15,000k will be less blue. Other than that, quality really depends on the brand. Some brands have much better PAR than others even if the kelvin rating is the same.
-Justin

 

[geoj]

I say try them. They are not that different.