currently using 14k phoenix- want more color and growth from Corals

[deansreef]

what bulb do you all suggest for better coral color and growth.

Thanks all

Dean

[deansreef]

anyone?

[deansreef]

damn people- nobody has an opinion on lighting?

[Wrench]

Ultimate bulbs for growth are the XM 10ks. On magnetic ballasts they'll look close to white with a bit of yellow. You'll want to supplement actinic.

[reeferman06]

I have excellent growth from (2)14k's with actinics. 10k's are tooooo yellow, I hate that look, it just doesnt look realistic. the blue look is the best. I'm thinking about going o 20k's

[Wrench]

depends on the ballast.

[m2434]

IME I think growth and color are somewhat contradictory. Low kelvin bulbs tend to produce better growth, but look awful and high kelvin bulbs look great, but don't do as much for growth. Also, kelvin ratings don't seem to be very reliable, so this is somewhat of a generalization, but 6500K is probably ideal for growth, however I like the looks of 12000k-14000K best. 20000K is disorienting, it is VERY blue and I find it difficult to see things clearly - a lot of non-fluorescent colors look black.

[Fishie Nut]

I agree with M.
I've got the XM 10Ks supplemented with 400 W of actinic PCs. I really like it when the PC are on. I think I'm going to go with 14Ks in a couple of months, when I replace the bulbs.

Everything is growing and happy. I'll see what happens with the 14ks. I don't really expect a change.

[audio101]

I switched to 20k ushio and I'm lovin the color's, also my lfs uses them for his sps tanks and has great growth.