6500's vs. 10K's

[D.Digler]

I'm hoping to get some feedback from the many reefer's using these bulbs on how they like them. I'll be setting up a 180 gallon, and would like to power the MH bulbs using PFO standard ballast (I like the flexibility). From my research I've found that better coral growth usually comes from the 6500's, but supplemental actinic lighting needs to be added (I'm thinking 4 72'' VHO's). The 10K's aren't as yellow and also result in fantastic growth and would probably only need 2 72'' super actinic VHO's. Taking into consideration asthetics as well as performance, what do y'all think?
Also, could anyone compare the difference in an Aqualine 10K bulb vs. an Ushio 10K (besides the fact that the Ushio is a German bulb)? Are their any 10K's out there that are better than their peers?

As far as I know with the 6500's, Iwasaki is the only option. Thanks!

 

[SteveP]

I'm running Iwasaki 400 watt 6500K's with VHO actinic supplementation. I went with the 'Sakis because of pure PAR, figuring the corals would grow better, but not necessarily color up better, with these bulbs. The actinics do enhance the color somewhat, but they don't eliminate the yellowish look most people dislike. I can live with it just fine. My corals don't seem to complain much either. I got the "Eye" ballast so I'm limited to the Iwasaki bulbs. Probably a mistake because I'd like to see what 10000K's would look like.

Since you have the standard PFO ballast you can try different bulbs (got any friends who can lend you some for a couple of days?) and find the one you like. As long as you have enough intensity, the spectrum you choose shouldn't matter much.

Steve
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[ April 10, 2002: Message edited by: SteveP ]</p>

 

[D.Digler]

Thanks for the reply, and I wish I did already have the ballasts, but i don't. I just really want them for their versatility, hoping that not much will be lost compared with the EYE ballast for the 6500's, or the HQI ballast for the 10K's.

Fish stores should run a few different set-ups so customers can see for themselves how different bulbs look color-wise, as well as what grows best under them. Cheers

 

[Big R]

10,000K's!! That what myself and everyone I know is running.

R

 

[Acropora]

I have been running 3x 400W 6500K MH with 2x 160 watt VHO 03 bulbs.I was tired of the green tint the Iwasaki's cast.I contemplated 10,000K,but did not want to loose the PAR,or buy more expensive bulbs,more frequently.So,I added a second pair of 160Watt VHO 03 bulbs.The color is now much whiter.Its not the only way to go,but that is the route I took.The pictures on my web site are not with the new bulbs. Anthonyweb page

 

[D.Digler]

Anthony,

Your tank is amazing. That's exactly what I'm going for! So those pictures are with 2 VHO's only? I'm planning on building my hood to house the 3 MH's, along with either 2 or 4 VHO's (depending on either 6500s or 10K's, so could you please tell me how you did made your hood so that it can be raised up and down? One more thing, did you paint that backround on yourself? If so, what type of paint did you use, and what's the name of the color (if you don't mind)? Thanks, seeing those pics really helped!

 

[D.Digler]

Anthony, one more thing, what type of ballast are you running? Is it a standard PFO, or is it the EYE Ballast? Thanks!