14k or 20k ????

[ronj]

i am now unsure if i want to go with 14k's or 20k's on my display tank..the bulbs are going to be 250w SE bulbs... i want a high par bulb.. i like blue,but i don't want it to look like just actinics on the tank

 

[mfinn]

If you are used to 10k, then I would go with a 14k. The 20k may be a little too much change for you.
I don't think there are any high par 20k bulbs are there?

 

[moto826]

14k for me

 

[Scooterman]

How about the reeflux 12k? They produce higher PAR & still produce a nice blue tint but not overwhelming blue.

 

[ronj]

i heard that the Reeflux 12k's lose Par really fast.. not sure if that is true, but i remeber reading it on here before.. i am looking at some 14k's.. i am stuck between the Ushio, Phoenix, and the Icecap.. anyone have any experience with the 250w SE 14k's?? which has the highest Par??

 

[Scooterman]

Without a meter to prove that I wouldn't believe it but I had them a while & was very happy with the performance. Anyway, the Phoenix 14K's are very nice also & not super blue as most 20K's are.

JMO

 

[luisse25]

+1 on 14k phoenix..

 

[estanoche]

After a week or two of burn in most 20K will look like a brand new 14K - so if you like the way a brand hew 14K looks, but a 20K

 

[sandswhitson]

20K XM for me. I don't think they look blue at all.

 

[plack]

Look at sanjay's site to see the intensity drop ( Read PPFD) when you go to 14K and even lower for 20K Look for yourself !!

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/lighting

Also here is some other info about someones experience with reeflux 12K being closer to a 20K in color and intensity.

http://www.michiganreefers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=631669

Paul

 

[Chichas01]

+2 on the Phoenix 14K's

 

[Scooterman]

Seems as though most of these don't preform as well as the 10k's but a few do fairly well, I have seen good growth from the phoenix 14k's & it looks nice so that may be a good choice. JMO again LOL