MH lighting 14k or 20k

[scunfcu]

I have a 20H Gallon tank at 24x13x16 inch high with 24" Sunpod 150w MH 14k DE HQI. Tank has alot of SPS frags, lps and zoas. Growth rate seems good, but I can't get any good colors out the default Sunpod MH DE 150w at 14k.

I was looking at Aquatinics T5 Tx5, but cost is beyond my budget. So I'm looking to upgrade my mh bulb to see that will give me better coloring.

My sunpod will only handle up to 150w MH DE. So K rating is only thing that I an modify. Any recommendation?

 

[Deanos]

I recommend you read this thread. "Coloring up" SPS is more than just lighting.

 

[scunfcu]

Thanks Dean, but in this case, the same pink stylo frag that I have looks less pink in with lighting, but when I put another 20g with T5HO, the pink color really shows well.

 

[Deanos]

:scratch: If you shine a red light on a white piece of paper, it'll appear red, but it'll still be white....

 

[scunfcu]

Actually, I like to rephrase my questions to which 150MH DE HQI bulbs may gives better coloring. There are few brands out there same 14k, but coloring results little different. So if there are any users who can share their experience, that'll be great.

 

[Deanos]

Did you read the thread yet?

 

[scunfcu]

Yes, quite number of factors that will affect health of sps. But my inquiry is experiences on 150 MH HQI 14k and actually PHoenix bulbs since they have hint of blue.

 

[reefman]

Thanks Dean, but in this case, the same pink stylo frag that I have looks less pink in with lighting, but when I put another 20g with T5HO, the pink color really shows well.

then maybe u should use T5HO

 

[scunfcu]

I really like th T5 HOs, but it'll cost me over $400. Replacing MH bulb in my Sunpod would run me about $60. Not ready to spend money on T5 lighting yet. My Sunpod is only about 4 month old, so its still new investment for me.

 

[Davidl919]

I would not replace a 4 month old bulb, But if you must, go with a 14k. Brands with a good following are Iwasaki and Xm.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I like the 14k

 

[scunfcu]

I ordered Phoenix 150w MH HQI with 14k. Let's see how that goes.