14K to 20K MH

StikHedRon · Mar 3, 2014

So I am currently running 14K pheonix double ended bulbs and I really like the look and growth I am getting out of them. I have been tossing around the idea of switching to 20K bulbs to get more color and pop out of my acros. Does anyone have some pics of their tank running 20k's? Would like to see the difference.

Badspstank · Mar 3, 2014

Badspstank · Mar 3, 2014

spspirate · Mar 3, 2014

What 20K would you be going with?

"Acro Sheen" · Mar 3, 2014

If you are happy with the growth and look why not just add some LEDS for supplemental lighting? That should give you the pop you want and you can keep running the 14k u are happy with. I'm not sure what you set up is but you could ad some DIYs or some stunners strips.

StikHedRon · Mar 3, 2014

I have an open top and I like the 14k but I might love what the 20k does to my coral. I have a 125 95% sps I would probably go with xm20k unless there are better out there?

spspirate · Mar 3, 2014

Radium 20K would be a good bulb to go with IMO.

StikHedRon · Mar 3, 2014

I'd hate to invest 250 on bulbs then not like them. Just lookin for some pics of 20k to see how blue it is, the 14k still have some white look with a bit of blue

StikHedRon · Mar 3, 2014

I have double ended fixtures, it's a maristar 3x250w with 4x39w t'5

TJ's Reef · Mar 3, 2014

I don't know why you would change as IMHO the Phoenix 14K is the best MH lamp out there, spent many many hours emulating it with my DIY LED build. By going to a 20K you may gain some more pop in Greens and Oranges but you will lose most any pop in Reds, Pinks and Yellows. I like the suggestion of adding LED Stunner Strips and would encourage to go with a mix of RB 450-460nm, Blue 480-490nm and Violet 410-420nm to really enhance a broader range of colors.

Cheers, Todd

StikHedRon · Mar 3, 2014

TJ's Reef said:
I don't know why you would change as IMHO the Phoenix 14K is the best MH lamp out there, spent many many hours emulating it with my DIY LED build. By going to a 20K you may gain some more pop in Greens and Oranges but you will lose most any pop in Reds, Pinks and Yellows. I like the suggestion of adding LED Stunner Strips and would encourage to go with a mix of RB 450-460nm, Blue 480-490nm and Violet 410-420nm to really enhance a broader range of colors.

Cheers, Todd

Thanks, I don't know the ins and outs of mh yet, I came from led to mh and am completely happy with the change, wasn't sure if 20k would give me more color in my acros.