Big difference between 16k and 20k MH bulbs?

Kamao · 01/01/2010, 08:59 AM

Will there be a big difference? Talking about Aqualine Busche bulbs. The 20k is about twice as much in price. I like the color the 20k puts out, but will i notice a big difference if i go for the 16K?

buffalo123 · 01/01/2010, 09:11 AM

Imo seeing you started with 20000k you will notice a certain lack of blue.
If you start with 16000k you probably would be satisfied. I run 20000k now but ran 15000k many years, now when i switch back it won't seem blue enough or may even look yellowish.
Even if you change to a different manufacturer with the same K value they may not look the same.
Before i became aware of the numerous MH bulb K value i ran 6500 k MH for many years. Coral seem to love that and they grow well, but its very yellow, something i did not really notice until i started to look at other reef tanks. I also ran actenics with the 6500 k bulbs. I then went to XM bulbs 15000k and was very happy with the color until i got a 20000k.

01/01/2010, 08:59 AM	#1
Kamao Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 115	Big difference between 16k and 20k MH bulbs? Will there be a big difference? Talking about Aqualine Busche bulbs. The 20k is about twice as much in price. I like the color the 20k puts out, but will i notice a big difference if i go for the 16K?

01/01/2010, 09:11 AM	#2
buffalo123 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cambridge, Ontario Canada Posts: 1,092	Imo seeing you started with 20000k you will notice a certain lack of blue. If you start with 16000k you probably would be satisfied. I run 20000k now but ran 15000k many years, now when i switch back it won't seem blue enough or may even look yellowish. Even if you change to a different manufacturer with the same K value they may not look the same. Before i became aware of the numerous MH bulb K value i ran 6500 k MH for many years. Coral seem to love that and they grow well, but its very yellow, something i did not really notice until i started to look at other reef tanks. I also ran actenics with the 6500 k bulbs. I then went to XM bulbs 15000k and was very happy with the color until i got a 20000k.