Mh lighting

[acuralegend94]

Hi everybody, Its time to replace these Metal halide bulbs... i bought the set up a few months ago and Its probably been way over a year since the bulbs got replaced.

I was just wondering if I would get better growth from my zoas/palys, softies, and rbta's with a 14k Mh bulb vs the 20k Mh bulb.

I like the blue look the 20k gives off, but I would like more growth. I am not sure if it is because the bulbs are old or I just need to go to a lower Kelvin.

I am not supplementing actinic lighting. The bulbs are the double ended type.

Thanks!
John

 

[Core]

I have had good growth with both 14 & 20k. Currently Im running 20k & my zoas and palys have good extension and multiplying. Not sure what wattage yours are.

 

[acuralegend94]

sorry, 150 watt 20k metal hallide.

 

[Core]

Cant go wrong with the 14k if you have any doubts.

 

[jbaeza83]

From what I understand, a higher Kelvin will give you better color but slower growth, a lower Kelvin will give you better growth but not as nice color. I think a lot of people like the 14K because its in between.

 

[acuralegend94]

I heard that also... Anybody ever try the ebay metal halides? Or know where a good place to buy is?

 

[Core]

I found a place on line. www.lightexports.com
I picked up a couple of double ended 70w 14K & 20k from there: $19.95 each.
I have gotten good growth from both.
They have a 22k that ive been thinkin about tryin.

I did notice that the 20k color is more like a higher end 14k. Not to sure though.
see my avatar. that's their 20

 

[turbonut]

If they are pheonix not a problem , pheonix are the only bulb that id run over a year. Any other bulb needs to be changed out every 6 months imho

 

[jbaeza83]

I wouldnt run any bulb besides a pheonix, I had a cheap 15K knock of a while ago and it grew algea like crazy so I replaced it with the 14k pheonix and it was such a big difference

 

[Clockwork John]

Go phoenix or radium. You won't regret it.

 

[MikeGilliland]

If they are double ended get Phoenix 14k if they are single ended get radium 20k

Tap'd from a Galaxy far, far away.

 

[acuralegend94]

Sounds good. I was thinking of doing the phoenix 14k thx guys.

 

[Skidazl]

If they are pheonix not a problem , pheonix are the only bulb that id run over a year. Any other bulb needs to be changed out every 6 months imho

+1000

 

[reefhobobum]

Both Phoenix or radium are tried and true bulbs. It will certainly help with growth, but if you want more growth, I suggest you target feed your corals too.