hqi bulbs 10k or 14k?

[jollyballs]

i was just wondering which light bulb is better? the 10k or the 14k. i have a 90 gal that im planning on purchasing some sps's and some more zoo's this weekend. i have a canopy that i made myself on top of the tank with the lights being about 7 inches from the water

 

[Fig]

I always like the look of the Phoenix 14k bulbs. Great par and nice color by itself.

 

[lucas73]

+ 1 on the Phoenix bulb

 

[mkarston]

I've used the Phoenix 14k bulbs and do like them a lot. However I've changed over to Iwasaki 14k a little better. They are more crisp white, and not as blue as the Phoenix. This allows me more options for my supplemental T5 bulbs.

So I guess my recommendation would be Phoenix if you only planned to run MH bulbs, and the Iwasaki if you plan to supplement with actinic florescent bulbs

 

[mkarston]

Oh, and I forgot to mention. The Par and these two bulbs are practically identical. Sanjay posted their values a while back, but I can't find the thread.

 

[Toddrtrex]

[welcome]

Can't really say which one is better --- beside being a broad question, since no specific bulbs were mentioned. For what you asked, it is going to be a personal choice. In general a 14K bulb is going to be bluer then a 10K bulb -- it is up to you to decide which you like best. And if you are using any supplemental lighting that could change things too.

In general, a 10K bulb is going to give you better growth, and a 14K will give you better colors. However, there are a lot of other factors that could change that.

 

[msch1999]

I use the 14k pheonix bulbs and like the results.

 

[carlisimo1969]

I went from Reeflux10K to Phoenix14k and have come to love the crisp white/blue.

 

[carlisimo1969]

Looking back at old pics of the 10k it seems quite yellowish