Bulb selection

[Samper]

I've just now realized that I should have a backup bulb around just in case. I'm fairly happy with the 20k I've been using but would like to maybe try a 14k next time. I was looking around and found a Phoenix 15k bulb but no charts showing what it puts out. I like the blue look...I like the colors it brings out but am less happy with growth. I do have decent growth and in a nano I don't want anything too crazy but I think a lower k bulb is in order. Anyone have any suggestions to throw out there?

[Reefland]

It's funny you ask as I just replaced our 20k's. There are so many bulbs out there it's difficult to make a determination. The 20k's as you know are not providing a lot of usable, nearly half of what a quality 10k will provide. The AB and Ushio 10k's did well in the tests as did the XM's 10k's, which is what I went with the try out. I didn't look at the outputs of any of the 14k's so I can't comment on those but here is a link to Sanjay's site which makes it easy to compare.

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/index.htm

Well I went to compare real quick for you and the Phoenix 14k was listed but I am getting an error when trying to use the compare feature on the site. You might try to give it a try later.

[Samper]

Well if I had some actinics I'd definately get a 10k bulb but I don't. I can't deal with the yellow light by itself. I think the 14k would be a nice balance of better par and more pleasing light how about you guys? When I have some more time to sit down I'll go compare them all and see what might be the best bang for the buck.