10k vs 20k 250 DE Bulbs

[Reefland]

Anyone have or know where I can find comparison pictures of the 10k DE's vs. the 20k DE's?

Thanks,
Scott Z.

[PerryinCA]

Anyone have or know where I can find comparison pictures of the 10k DE's vs. the 20k DE's?

Thanks,
Scott Z.

Scott,

The tank looks really bad in the pic due to algae growth (long story - "went out of town" should say enough), but here you can see the difference in the BLV 10k and 20k. The 20k look pretty sharp (for a blue lamp), but I still prefer the 10k - especially when the algae is gone and the coralline looks good. The BLV 10k is actually closer to a true 12,000k per Sanjay's tests. With a little supplementation, I think the 10k is really the way to go. I feel like I shouldn't even post the pic because of the algae (makes the light look much more yellow than it is), but you may be able to get an idea.

[Reefland]

Thanks Perry!

The problem with adding actinic supplements is adding additional lights. I would prefer to stay with just the halides but fear that the 20k's will be too blue and less intense. I guess adding a couple of VHO actinics with the 10k's would be the way to go.

[big 5]

i ran a 250 de 10k which is very bright white with a slight yellow tint

i don't know how to post pics but right now i'm running a hamilton 14k 250 de(right side tank) which is a crisp white with a little blue

on the other side is a 250 de 20k xm the color is blue
i perfer the 14 but my wife likes the 20 so 20 it is on next bulb purchase

the growth out of the 10k was awsome but coral color sucked which is in reverse now - coral color is awsome while growth has slowed
ideal would be 20k 250 de with 400w 10k in middle for growth (future lighting plans) 250 de bulbs burn alot brighter than 400w get the deep color blue with the best growth

my purple monster turned rasberry under the 10k but after switching to the 14 and 20k (in middle of 2) it turned back to purple

my tri color with blue tips went from dull blue almost bleeched out to deep blue tips after switching to 14 and 20k

i'm personnaly sold on the blue bulb
coral color and not a tank of brown

[acropora]

Coralvue makes a 12000K HQI SE bulb that has a nice tint of bue without being overbearing.

[Reefland]

We just ordered a couple of AB-20k 250w Double-Ended bulbs for our tank From Custom Aquatics, not a bad price when the Reefland Discount is figured in.

Once we get them, I will post some comparison shots.

Scott Z.