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  #1  
Old 03/31/2006, 02:48 PM
SaltyMember SaltyMember is offline
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14k to 20k will this be ok for crocea?

Hi, I have a 65gal 24inch tall tank w/ 2 x 250wt SE EVC 14k bulbs. I am getting close to replacing my bulbs and I am considering switching to EVC 20k bulbs primarily for color.

What I am concerned about is my crocea clam that currently sits midway in the tank directly under a bulb. I know the 20k bulbs I am looking at have less par than the bulbs I use now (59 PAR vs. 71 PAR according to Sanjay's site). Will this decrease in PAR negatively affect my clam? I would like to keep my clam at it's current placement if possible but I could move it higher up if needed.

I would appreciate opinions. Thanks!
  #2  
Old 03/31/2006, 03:44 PM
Ti Ti is offline
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Nope, ran clams under both.
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Hair algae is my Macro algae.
  #3  
Old 03/31/2006, 08:34 PM
SaltyMember SaltyMember is offline
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Thanks Ti,
I just wanted to hear from somebody with more experience with clams.

I appreciate the help.
  #4  
Old 04/01/2006, 05:01 AM
Ti Ti is offline
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np
my maximas r still going strong and sucking up Ca
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Hair algae is my Macro algae.
  #5  
Old 04/01/2006, 04:02 PM
critterkeeper critterkeeper is offline
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20k bulbs are dimmer - and they last about half as long as 10Ks.

If you want more blue, add blue fluorescents and have more light, rather than less.
  #6  
Old 04/02/2006, 07:14 PM
SaltyMember SaltyMember is offline
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I never heard of 20k bulbs having a shorter lifespan that 10k bulbs. Do you have any references for me.
thanks
  #7  
Old 04/02/2006, 11:38 PM
jay24k jay24k is offline
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It's true. They do generally need to be replaced more. The higher the spectrum, the quicker it seems to lose intensity. I don't have any references off the top though. I wouldn't say half as long but I would say maybe 2/3rds.
  #8  
Old 04/03/2006, 07:20 AM
SaltyMember SaltyMember is offline
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thanks,
I might have to rethink this then..
  #9  
Old 04/03/2006, 11:31 AM
jay24k jay24k is offline
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Ever notice the radiums how often they need to be replaced? or the XM 20k's? Adds up after awhile. Also depends on what growth you want too.
  #10  
Old 04/04/2006, 12:05 AM
critterkeeper critterkeeper is offline
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Depends on the ballast and bulb, but there's a general rule of thumb that the higher the kelvin number the shorter the bulb life.

6,500K generally go 12 to 18 months, 10K anywhere from 12 down to 6 depending who you ask, 20K 6 months at best...

FYI - I've tried them all - and will never buy a 20K again.
  #11  
Old 04/04/2006, 08:42 AM
SaltyMember SaltyMember is offline
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thanks for the input everyone,
I've decided to stick with the 14k EVC bulb. It is a pretty blue bulb and has decent par. I don't think I want to give up the growth.
 

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