Should I switch from 10K to 14K?

[blennymower]

Should I?

I have 10K bulbs but my corals (which have a lot of polyp extension) have no color or lose it. I'm thinking on going to 14Ks to keep some of the growth while getting some nice color. Also, I think the bluer look will look much nicer than the current white/yellow look.

 

[blennymower]

bump

 

[unbreakable]

looks like you answered your own question

 

[blennymower]

I don't know if my reasoning is correct. Also, some suggestions on which bulbs to use would be nice. Phoenix's are too expensive.

 

[frank40]

as you go into the higher K rating, the bulbs tend to be more $. ice cap 14k are not bad, evc are inexpensive. i like the ushio 14k's, they are more white than blue. phoenix bulbs are love them or hate them bulbs, there does not seam to be an in between. i personally hate them, they bring out your blues and greens but wash out the pinks and reds IMO.

 

[unbreakable]

i get my bulbs from hellolights, but im using 150w Phoenix bulbs, colors are great

 

[abaran]

I like Hamilton bulbs.They cost less then Phoenix.

 

[sedor]

I love my Phoenix bulbs and I got them at soslightbulbs.com for $50 each. Those were for 250W HQI though, they will obviously be cheaper if you have a smaller bulb. That was the cheapest I could find. They also have a variety of others.

 

[mkregs]

Premium Aquatics has a good sale going on for Phoenix bulbs. I ordered a 150w 14k from them last week.

 

[kb27973]

Your reasoning is the same I used. I switched from Ushio 10K to 14K. I'm glad I did!

Ken

 

[blennymower]

I need to buy a bulb with a built in ignitor (magnetic probe start ballast) whats good?