Best Light?

[jefft321]

So after reading this article I am wondering if I should go with 20K metal halide bulbs on all of my setups? It sounds like it has the best growth....and I have read other articles about enhanced coloration in corals.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/12/aafeature1

 

[serpentman]

I went 20K on my most recent reef and am pretty impressed with both growth and color:

My Growth Pics

 

[DEERE G]

I put (2) 20k ,250 watt Radiums on my 120 a couple weeks back. I love the color. I use a Galaxy 2 x 250 ballast and Lumenarcs.

 

[DiscoReefRover]

IM a 20 k guy myself Color is way more important to me than growth ..but I would say growth is not to shabby either!!!!

 

[vietcu]

So do you have to also have some additional actinic with the 20K. Right now I got mine running at 14k and 2 super actinic, thinking of going with just 20k and no actinic.

 

[DEERE G]

20 k , no actinic for me.

 

[TheGrog]

I found that I got better growth with 14K Hamiltons over several other brands in 20K. They give a great color too as I am running just them with no actinics.

 

[Kreeger1]

For growth no, theres others such as xm 10k out there better for growth. Color wise people claim that 20k radiums color up the corals the best.
That article is very narrowly scoped. I wouldn't take much from that. If you want the numbers and facts get them from the lighting expert, Dr. Sanjay Joshi
He tests all the bulbs not just 4 different Kelvin ones
link can be found on his home page
http://www.personal.psu.edu/sbj4/aquarium/aquarium.html