best growth MH bulb (which K rating)

nobody · 02-10-2008, 04:32 PM

what is any is the growth difference between a 10,000k, 15,000k, and a 20,000k assuming there are no other bulbs in use other then the MH bulbs

chrischris · 02-10-2008, 04:34 PM

ya 10k has more par than a 20k or a 15k

DevilBoy · 02-10-2008, 04:36 PM

i would say 10k also.

ckusnierek · 02-10-2008, 06:39 PM

Actually, If you want the best growth it's 7.5K but that will look orange. Thats why they sell them for plants not reefs.

As far as corals go 10K is best but if you have a shallow tank 12,14,or 15K may be best. IMHO 20K is like running only atinic as far as the look.

Usually less than 18" deep tank 175w
18-24" 250w
24"+ 400w

It's really personal opinion as far as the "look"

tdwyatt · 02-10-2008, 06:56 PM

Ditto on 7.5 kK bulb, Iwasaki makes a SE MH 250w watt bulb at 6500K that is probably the best bulb out there for prop tanks, but it looks like he77 to me compared to a 10kK XM 250watt bulb for your primary display tank... the Iwasaki is a very yellow bulb.

see this link for a comparison of the appearance of the different temperature bulbs.

Ron69 · 02-17-2008, 11:53 AM

I run Iwasaki 6500k 250w bulbs myself. I am very happy with my growth increase over any other bulb I have tried. But...they are very yellow. I was so happy with the growth I added 660watts of vho actinics to get my blue back

. I am super happy with this combination.(I am not happy with my power bill however)