Metal halides coral color loss

[Saltwatertaylor]

I was wondering if metal halides cause the color of coral to not be as bright as if it was under regular t-5. I know they are stronger lighting, but is a actinic blue type lighting necessary with it to really bring out the true bright color of the corals?

 

[Dave3112]

Depends on what kind of halide it is. If it is a 10k bulb then yes it would cause the coral to look different than under T5. And 10k tend to put out way more PAR than a T5 bulb. I prefer a bluer look to my tank so I liked to run 14k bulbs with a lot of Actinic T5s or a good quality 20k bulb doesn't need any supplemental lighting. IMO

 

[Pappy]

I had 14k halides and the colors were ok I guess. I added a 20k bulb by reeflux and after about 3 monthsalot of the blue burned out. Quality is key with the bulbs(mind you the 150 watt bulbs I bought were I believ around $70 so I thought they were quality). Would recommend supplemental either way whether it's t5 or led for color and dusk and dawn.

 

[Saltwatertaylor]

I figured so. It was my fathers tank so i'm not quite sure exactly what type of mh he has, but im guessing around 10k. Im thinking next time I upgrade I will add more to really bring out the colors. Mainly my zoas were green in the store, but are more brown now.