14k vs. 20k metal halide bulbs

[reedrodz]

Im debating what kind of bulb i should get for my sps tank.. whats the diffrence between a 14k vs. 20k 250watts metal halide bulbs aside from thier color? whats the pros and cons?

 

[reefnetworth]

14K is light blue and 20K is darker blue-purple.
14K is better, IMO than a 20K. ive got both and th 20K is too dark.
if im not mistaken, the 14K represents appx. 12-18 feet of depth in the ocean.
while the 20K represents coloration of appx. 20-30 feet in depth.
its been awile since i read it, hope that helps have a great weekend! :rollface:
JDM

 

[hahnmeister]

Usually, the main diff between a 14,000K and a 20,000K is the 20,000K has a larger actinic peak, while most 14,000Ks have none... at least, that used to be the case. Ushio's 14,000K is anything but that... its like a 10,000K that has had its spectral graph tilted 10 degrees clockwise so there is just a bt more blue and actinic, and less red-green. The Giesemann 14,500K bulbs are all over the place as well. That being said... its all marketing ratings really, and nothing is for certain.

 

[BryanJ]

I have used the coralvue 20k bulbs and the Hamilton 14K. Both lights promote good health but the Hami's promote growth as well. I prefer the look of the 20k and with that being said I will be trying 20K Radiums next.

 

[NYReef]

I've tried so many bulbs 14K and 10K and 20K and finally found the Aquaconnect 14K 250 watt SE, its perfect. High PAR for coral growth, nice and blue for looks and LPS.

 

[BryanJ]

NYReef

Thanks for trying them. Is there any bulb that you used in the past that you would compare them to? Also what ballast are you running?