10k to 14K (SPS Changes)!!!

[muck]

We just changed a set of DE bulbs out from 13K Geisemann to 14K Hammys on one of our systems and WOW what a difference. The corals look so much better (color wise). If you like the semi-blue look you should look into the Phoenix bulbs as well. The color output is very similar to the Hammys.

[andsoitgoes]

Originally Posted by muck

We just changed a set of DE bulbs out from 13K Geisemann to 14K Hammys on one of our systems and WOW what a difference. The corals look so much better (color wise). If you like the semi-blue look you should look into the Phoenix bulbs as well. The color output is very similar to the Hammys.

I concur here - The phoenix 14k bulbs are very nicely blue, and don't have any yellow as of yet, and you can get them for about 30% less than almost any other bulb out there! I've seen 'em in action and they're pretty

[ribber]

Muck: What type of ballast are you using and what type of corals do you keep??

[muck]

Originally Posted by ribber

Muck: What type of ballast are you using and what type of corals do you keep??

Ballast: Icecap 250W Electronic
Corals: SPS, LPS, Softies, Ricordea, Zoanthid, etc. (Pretty much some of everything)

[Quagmire]

I changed from 10K with actinics,to 14K without actinics.Much nicer with 14K I think.

[ribber]

Ok, I switched out 2 bulbs and changed them to the 14k Hamilton's will see how the corals do. I do like the look of the Hamilton's though.

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...res2007018.jpg

[Atomikk]

Give you a heads up on coral color with higher K values.

If you have 10K lights, the corals will naturally color up. They will sustain that colour as long as you keep the 10K lights on. As soon as you move away from 10 to 20K, the corals will regain their brown zoanthallae.. but because of the blue hues, the corals may seem colourful. I call it the fake colour..

I recently did a test in my tank regarding this.. and proved that corals brown out with 20K lighting. They look colourful, but they really aren't.

What I have done to my tank is run 2 10K MHs during the day (while I am out, at work, etc), and then at night 1 14K MH. This way my corals retain their colour and growth, and at night the tank looks nice and blue.

[One_Divided]

I've used almost every kelvin of bulb and whatage/type now. I honestly think for the most part, what chemistry and light intensity is going to be the biggest influence as far as pigment colouration. I would just find a reputable bulb that you like the colour of.