the intensity of the 13000k megachromes would put a stomp on the 15000k coralvue's most definately, no question about it

I have similar issues with coraline not growing when my halides are on. So in turn I've turned off my halides for about 2 weeks now and coraline is taking off like a weed with only VHOs running. I've also been adding baking soda and calcium in quite heavy doses to help it grow.

So in conclusion, Blame the halides :D

So you are saying that a 13 K is more intense than a 15K bulb.

I do not know the wattage of her bulbs but take a look at these 250w DE bulbs.

So in a nutshell, the gs megachrome stomps it.

You may notice I compared a 20000k coralvue instead of a 15000k...in most cases the 20000ks have more than the 12000-15000k bulbs of most manufacturers... I will however search more looking for true specs on a 15000k cv bulb, just so we're doing apples and apples.

EDIT: I found a 250w mogul 15kk cv bulb.. it has ppfd of 74.9 from an M80 ballast. I'll keep looking for a DE 15kk bulb, if it exists.

I think Phoenix brand light bulbs have mastered high output at 12000-15000k range, as well as helios...just one of the downsides to "middle of the line" mid-range bulbs; it's hard to find a high output bulb with the blue most people look for

My bulbs are 400W. Right now I have 2 Geisemann bulbs and one Coralvue bulb (to be replaced as soon as my order gets here next week). The Coralvue is in the middle.
And thanks so much for the info. I was pretty sure it was the bulbs but as I also brought my calcium reactor online in the last month and I have never used a reactor before could not be sure.

Ruth

what made you decide to get giesemann bulbs? did you have the chance to see them in action before you bought them? A friend of mine has the 150w double ended 13kk bulbs, and they're pretty breathtaking. Glad to hear someone else gets to enjoy their beauty. :D

No I did not get the chance to see them in action (check out where I live). My 2 bulbs were getting close to the 8 month mark and really I just wanted to try something new and decided to give it a go. My reasoning being that most - and I say most - German products that I have tried out have been very high end quality stuff - it is why I am going with the Bubble King skimmer and the Grotech calcium reactor for my new tank. I definately notice more yellow in these bulbs but my livestock is reacting well - particularly my clams which are open more than I have ever seen them.

What's your magnesium level at?

Magnesium is as 1350 according to my salifert test that I did yesterday.

IME, that's a good amount of Mg to keep up coralline growth :smile: