10k vs 14k

[reefredy75]

I'ts time to replace my bulbs, I have 175w 10k now and was thinking about going with 14k. How much will it affect my coral growth with 14k instead of 10k? I have mostly softies and a few LPS and Ricordias, zoos etc.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

i dont think it will affect it too much, but it will make the colors a lot better imo. 10k's tend to be too yellow for my taste (if theres no actinics to balance it) so the blue that a 14k adds should make the colors nicer. 20K's are just even more blue.

 

[suphew]

Just be aware that the brightness drops off as the kelvin goes up, if you fel that you are border line with the 10k then 14k will be too dim.

 

[pfish]

I went too phoenix 14000de bulbs from 10000k. the corals look much better and I've noticed no ill effects on growth or poly extension.

 

[AquaReeferMan]

I also jumped from 10k to 14k. I love it. The 10k was to yellow. My coral looks a lotr better since changing also. I have a mixed reef ranging from lps, sps, softies, and zoas. Everything looks great with no adverse effects. I am very happy with the change.

 

[SoupySteve]

FWIW, here are some pics comparing the two in my coralife 150W MH
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=887979