Need help figuring out Par38 Bulb for Pico

DracoKat · May 11, 2017

Hi all,

I have a 2.7 gal pico set up here at work. (8Wx9Lx10H cube)

I presently have this bulb : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWP37SD/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and I hate it. it's too blue and not bright at all with tons on shading. my zoas aren't too happy.

I had a CoralCompulsion Par38 years ago and it was great. Unfortunately, I do not remember what kind it was. I want to get another CoralCompulsion bulb (or one on same ranks if anyone has cheaper alternativies)

https://coralcompulsion.myshopify.com/collections/all/for-small-tanks

On the "small tanks" section, there's several options. 14W, 24W, 14k spectrum, 20k spectrum.. I have no idea what these mean to me.

Can someone suggest which would be best for me? I am planning on having some SPS and mostly softies. I don't want the tank to look too blue either, makes everything look washed out. I want to keep it under $100

Please and thank you

saltyfilmfolks · May 11, 2017

DracoKat said:
14k spectrum, 20k spectrum..

the sun is 5600k, most tanks are 16to 20,ooo degrees kelvin (some more IMO). 20k is generally considered the bluest. I honestly don't have enough experience with the par 38 bulbs to recommend one.

DracoKat · May 11, 2017

after reading up, and checking out reviews and advice of others.. I decided on
Coral Compulsion 14w Par30 LED 18k Vibrance Reef Light

I read that people felt the par38 was an overkill for their 5 gal tanks, so if they felt it was an overkill, the par30 should be good. Cheaper too.

saltyfilmfolks · May 11, 2017

DracoKat said:
after reading up, and checking out reviews and advice of others.. I decided on
Coral Compulsion 14w Par30 LED 18k Vibrance Reef Light

I read that people felt the par38 was an overkill for their 5 gal tanks, so if they felt it was an overkill, the par30 should be good. Cheaper too.

Very cool. Let us know hoe it does. I read or see very few reviews.