20,000K hurt corals?

[sltwtrlvr]

I have a 90 gallons tank so it's pretty depth. Right now, I have a 10,000K light in Current USA Orbits.

I'm thinking about change it to maybe 15000K or 20000K.

I want the tank to look nice with some blue light. I'm wondering will 20000K hurt corals? Are 15K and 20K any difference?

Thanks!
Michelle

 

[Cody Ray]

It all has to do with the spectrum that each one of thoughs bulbs provides. 10K bulbs provide greater par in the yellow, red, and orange end of the spectrum, while 20K provide violet, blue, and green par, with 15K in the middle. Don't hold be to this, but I have heard that many corals prefer the violet, blue, and green par over the yellow, red, and orange. Take this with a grain of salt, because I can't prove it, nor disprove it.

 

[Ti]

no it won't

 

[easttn]

Re: 20,000K hurt corals?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6911923#post6911923 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sltwtrlvr

I want the tank to look nice with some blue light. I'm wondering will 20000K hurt corals? Are 15K and 20K any difference?

Thanks!
Michelle

Michelle,

If you like the blue tint, go for either. They are not as bright as 10K but the light is sufficient to grow anything you want. The coral will not be harmed, they usually get brighter but growth slows. I love the 20K Radium, bulbs are usually only good for ~8 months, 20K XM brand are usually good for 12 months (and a little bluer).

See what pleases your eye, and get a pair.

HTH,
GL

 

[samsfishnchips]

sltwtrlvr,

good info above, only thing worth mentioning is you might experience some shift of color on some of your pieces, some might get dull while other might improve, bluer light is more appealing though and will make things look better overall, good luck with your choice

sam

 

[sltwtrlvr]

Great! Thanks for info!

 

[DesertBandits]

Phoenix 14K is a popular bulb. Has a very blue look, but with good par readings as well (more useable spectrum for corals). XM 20K has the most horrible par rating imaginable. Just check out the MH website.

 

[sltwtrlvr]

Ok. I'll look into it. What is the website, please? Thanks.