Kelvin Ratings - which are better?

[dodo99]

Esthetics aside, has there been any valid research as to which kelvin rating promotes the most growth for corals? (softies, LPS, SPS)

I'm approaching the 6-mth mark for my 65w PC's, so I want to buy new ones soon to start swapping the old ones out one at a time.

For coloration, I can use some 2x20w NO tubes I already have, and put whatever I need in there to boost colors a bit.

Any ideas? (FYI, this is on a 29g mixed reef, if that makes a difference, and I can't switch to MH till next year. :? )

Thanks,
DoDo

 

[ChrisRD]

Heh, complicated question! The short answer is... ...there's no short answer...:wink:

First, it's tough to make any recommendations by Kelvin ratings alone since they vary so dramatically from one manufacturer to another. They are rarely accurate, and don't necessarily tell you much about the spectral distribution even if they were accurate.

Second, there are so many variables that can effect coral growth rates, coloration, etc. it's tough for anyone to say with any certainty what spectrums, intensities, etc. will produce the best results. To complicate matters even more, different animals will respond in different ways to different intensities/spectrums. Fortunately, most photosynthetic inverts are highly adaptable and can do well under a variety of light intensities and spectrums.

After saying all that - LOL, personally (and if you can fit them all over your tank) I would probably use the 2 X 65 PC 10Ks and use the NO setup to run 2 X 20 watt actinic lamps. That should be pretty bright white with a hint of blue. It will provide plenty of light for good growth, and should fluoresce things pretty nicely too. JMO...

 

[dodo99]

LOL I thought the answer may be complicated. Actually I was thinking of using 2 10k bulbs for the PCs, but wasn't sure if 40W of Actinics would be enough. I'll have to experiment and let you guys know. I was also toying with the idea of getting a 65w PC retrofit for the Eclipse 3 hood that I used to have. It has the 2x20 at the moment and fits pretty well infront of the Aqualight - sortof at a 45deg angle...

Thanks for the help, it's appreciated

DoDo

 

[dodo99]

Just a li' update. I swapped the Actinic for an All-Glass Super Daylight 65WPC. It's brighter than the Coralife bulb ($15 cheaper too). I love the coloration, and the inverts seems to like it. My open brain (green) swells up quite a bit more, so much so, that it was too much to resist for the clowns. Now they're trying to host in/on it. Kinda rough sometimes too.. Just inches away from a perfectly good LTA. (sigh) :roll:

DoDo