What Metal Halide kelvin rating? ( 10k, 14k etc)

[catmel]

Hey everyone,
Its about time to replace my lights. I have 2 x 150 MH lights ( currently 10k) and 2 z 96 watt PC bulbs ( currently 50/50 actinic and 10k).

Just curious to see what other people use who use MH lights. I hear dthe 14k and 20k lights are more blue.. Do you who use them notice better growth, less algae and thats why you like them... or is it mainly because of the coloring?

Ive had 10ks forever ( as long as Ive had this fixture) and wondering if I should try a different rating now.. so curious to see what people say.

Thanks!!

 

[mr_X]

mainly because of the coloring. the higher the kelvin, the less PAR they put out. your corals and fish will look better, but won't get as much usable light.
you could try phoenix 14k. they are a nice middle of the road lamp.

 

[Wy Renegade]

Like Doug, I'd run the 14K and then run two 10,000Ks on the actinics.