I have a fixture with 3 150w HQI MH. Question is how do you think it would look, grow, ect. with a 20k on each end and a 14k in the middle? I think I have all 10k now and the coral colors just doesn't pop like I think they should. plus the bulbs are old. I will also be replacing the PC actinics... I would like to find a deeper blue.
There's nothing prettier than a 14,000k crisp blue tank! but 10,000k's are gonna grow better(however, i've never tried 20ks). Lower kelvin w/ lower lighting hours seems to grow better...oh and if u get 14,000k's dont worry about actinics.
i lve the look fo 20 k bulbs but 14 k are a nice bright white where 10k are yellowish coored. if you go 20 k on the outside and 14k in the middle it is going ot make the outer edges look dimmer and un uniform. if you can handle that then go for it but i would recommend staying the same all the way across.
I agree, consistency is the key, if you have two different light zones you will have to decide which corals should be placed in which area. All corals will react differently to different lights. Your job would be to research the correct light requirements for the corals you want to display. I myself would use the same bulb all the way. I would keep the actinics because the light cycle on the MH's is shorter than the complete light cycle. As an example I use 10K - 250 MH on for 3hrs and my VHO actinics, and 10K's are on around 12hrs.
So what about a 50/50 bulb instead of strait actinics? and 14k for the 3 MH? has anyone mixed it up like that? Now that i'm looking... I remember researching this... and i really liked the 14k b/c it was like the good of both- color and growth?
I'm skeptical. I believe I would use the same color across all bulbs. I have two different colors right now and it looks wierd.
I think we will go with the 14K on all 3? But first I have a question that I can't find any answers... Do you think I will have to move anything off the bottom? My clams are doing very well now. Do you think I will be pushing it on PAR for them by changing to from the 10K to the 14K - I have 3 150w MH over a 180, plus 4 96w actinics. (If i had 3 250w MH i wouldn't be worried)
i dont think your par rating will change much. your probably 30 inches off the bottom and that may be max depth a 175w would want to push but i would say they would be ok. thats going to be a trial and error deal though.
I would leave them as they are because they are probably attached to the tank bottom or a rock under the substrate. Trying to move them may damage them. Wait and see if you notice any changes, and try to move them carefully if need be. Watch for changes on anything else you have on the substrate and adjust as needed.
that's a good idea...I may be worried for nothing. Even being 14k are probably better than the old bulbs I have now. We got the tank and lights 7 months ago and she said the bulbs were old then.
FYI I ordered the new Bulbs last Friday. I went with the 14K - I'll post a before and after picture when I get them changed. Thanks for everyone's help Update: I just got the bulbs in the mail!! Boy that was fast!
