20K HQI's

[Scuba Dog]

Was wondering if anyone outthere is keeping there max's and coracias under 20K HQI's...curently mine are under 10K 175's....I have read somewhere that clams do better under 10k's.....just courious?

 

[Vili_Shark]

I have a tank with 250W X2 20KK XM DE (XDE)

I think they're OK, but I also plan to change to:
2X400W 10KK XM.

One point: All my Clams are 6" to 2" under water level.

 

[SPStoner]

Scuba Dog,

I have a Maxima and a Crocea under a 250W AB DE 20K, plus 4x65w PC's ( 2 act and 2 10K) in a 40 gal. Clams are around 14 inches from the lights and are doing great.

 

[Scuba Dog]

Vili_Shark

Im courious, your swapin over to 400's. Were you not satisifed with the HQI's. Just wondering if im making a blunder by going with the HQI's...

 

[Vili_Shark]

Hi
I saw the 400W 10KK working and was quite shocked at the intensity difference.

I thought of changing to 400W 20KK, but I think I'll change to the 10KK, the intensity is great .

Let me put it this way, if you look for the colors, I'm quite sure the XM DE, will give ya quite nice results, but if you compare it to the light intensity of the XM 400W, there's quite a huge difference.

 

[Scuba Dog]

Vili_Shark

Cool thanks for the info...i went with the double end set up, was offered a deal I could not refuse....a PFO acrolight fixtre VHOs and ushios a 4 foot version for 460....PFO HQI Double ballast....

 

[Vili_Shark]

Sounds cool.
Did you get a 10KK ushio?

 

[Scuba Dog]

Vili_Shark

eah Im going to go with the ushio's cost wise was like 70 bucks a bulb, and since I mostly have frags i desier good growth, once my stuff grows out ill make the switch to a 20k for color...

 

[Vili_Shark]

I'd go with the XM 10kk

I did not check it myself, but I heard from many, that they are more intense than the ushios.

 

[chwattscaw]

Let me know if I understand this correctly.

1. If you want growth - Coral and otherwize, a less Kelvin lighting is best. 10K, supplemented with Actinic.

2. For appearance (colors etc), you would go with a higher kelvin (bluer light), say 14K - 20K?

I am running Ushio 10k 250 watt hQI's, and 4 VHO 110 Actinics. I still think it is more 'white' x 'yellow'.

Is there a compromise? What might you recommend?

Thanks in advance....

 

[ReefSalt]

Im using 250w 20K De`s and so far my clas luv it.I like the color but I do supplement them with 10K T5`s to whiten it up a little.

 

[chwattscaw]

Well, it makes sense to me that if I use blue Actinic, to get a more blue look with 10K, then I would use super white, get a more white look if I am pushing 20K into the tank.

I may have to try the 14 K. or greater, to see what it looks like.

Chris

 

[GoFishJoel]

I personally don't like the 13K (or is it 14K) bulbs that I have seen.
I really like the mix of 10K and 20K.

 

[ReefSalt]

I personally don't like the 13K (or is it 14K) bulbs that I have seen.
I really like the mix of 10K and 20K.

I agree I tried 14K and although it was nice I prefered the look of 20K with 10K T5`s.

 

[ReefSalt]

I personally don't like the 13K (or is it 14K) bulbs that I have seen.
I really like the mix of 10K and 20K.

I agree I tried 14K and although it was nice I prefered the look of 20K with 10K T5`s.