14K Pheonix MH Bulbs?

[dots]

So I decided on getting some new bulbs for my Aqualife Pro setup that has two 150w MHs and 2/96w PC Actinics. I wanted to up the blue from the "yellower" 10K, but didn't want to go super blue like a 20K.

I installed the 14K Pheonix bulbs tonight.....and they are WAY blue, like what I would expect from the 20K's.

So,

Will they burn in and get more of that chrome/silver blue I am looking for, or should I have gone with a 13,000K?

Does the 14K have enough "blue" in it that I could change my Actinics to daylight, (one or both) or will they not make a difference?

Kinda perplexed, kinda what made me decide was when I was at Atlantis and saw the Coralife clip-on job on a tank on the counter. I assumed that they hadn't changed the bulb and it was a 20K that comes with the light, and that one was crystal clear blue/white in color......I am a little confused and frustrated, because we all know these bulbs aren't cheap. Thanks, Doug

 

[Unarce]

It'll seem very blue initially. Partially because you're used to 10K, and partially because the bulb is new. After the break-in period, it will whiten a bit more.

Great bulb, BTW. I've used the 150W and 250W.

 

[dots]

SWEEEEET.....I hope it does lighten a bit than it is. Thanks

 

[Wee-Reef Master]

I use Hamilton 14K by itself (w/o actinic) for this very reason. 20K is way too blue for my eye, and 14K is perfect. Though mine did burn in and soften on the blue, it is still fairly blue in my opinion. I couldn't imagine adding actinic. You, too, may have to lose the actinic. Good luck!

 

[jedininja]

I love the Phoenix 14k bulbs. They are the perfect color without actinics for me. So I think with the 2x96w actinics, your tank will still look a bit blue even after burn in. Maybe switch 1 bulb out with a 10k or something.

 

[SLOreefer]

they will whiten up a bit...actually alot. i run them on my tank and they are pretty white. im thinking about trying a 20 k next go around to see what i like more

 

[dots]

Thats good to hear that they will lighten up, I remember seeing yours, and in fact was what got me thinking about it in the first place.....yours was a lot lighter than mine is now.