Another light question

[reefgeek84]

I got 2 retro fit Halide kits for free. They are only 70w ballasts and came with 4k bulbs. Would there be any benefit to running the 4k bulbs? I have tried to find some 10,000k bulbs but 70watters that are screw in are very hard to find and I do not want to dump close to 200.00 into just bulbs. Let me know if it would be worth my time to rig something up to get these over the tank safely.

 

[artful-dodger]

MH retros are a challenge unless you have a very high canopy. Be very careful that no water ever splashes on to the bulbs!

You probably won't like the color of 4K bulbs. Most folks can't take 6500K alone.

Before you set this up be sure to find a source for replacement bulbs even if these are new. You will have to replace them someday. If you can't get bulbs I'd say it isn't worth the time.

 

[reefgeek84]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6803115#post6803115 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by artful-dodger
MH retros are a challenge unless you have a very high canopy. Be very careful that no water ever splashes on to the bulbs!

You probably won't like the color of 4K bulbs. Most folks can't take 6500K alone.

Before you set this up be sure to find a source for replacement bulbs even if these are new. You will have to replace them someday. If you can't get bulbs I'd say it isn't worth the time.

I am not concerned about the look.. I will supplement with act. I can find sources for the 4k, it is the 10k and the 6,500k that I am having trouble finding.

If they will offer good growth then I will spend the money to get the bulbs if I will see a difference in growth. That is what I am trying to find out.

As for the canopy it is 12" high, and I will be having fans to help pull the cool air out and to also cool the lights.

 

[artful-dodger]

Growth rates will probably suffer from the wavelength shift as well. I don't recall seeing any tests specifically on 4K bulbs, though.

 

[reefgeek84]

TTT