is it ok to use two different spectrum light bulb??

silentninja · 04/23/2006, 01:15 AM

I have 2 aqualight advanced tank mount from coral life. they are both 150watts but one is 20000k and one is 14000k. is it ok to run two different k bulbs?

Sk8r · 04/23/2006, 01:42 AM

That possibly gets to a physics question of waves and interference. Anybody? Could it block part of the spectrum? Probably not so the corals would be too bad off. I don't think operationally it should be a great problem, except whether the ballast can handle it.

scottfarcuz · 04/23/2006, 05:03 AM

Some people are running MH color temp combos together instead of other actinics. I'm running a 14k and 20k DE HQI combo for now. I think it would be better for corals to get intense light from 2 sources that peak at different ranges.

A rule of sorts with SPS keepers seems to be 20k is best for coral color where 10k is best for growth without being a yellow looking light to the eye. Some settle for 14 10 or 20k while others are using a combo of several color temps.

silentninja · 04/23/2006, 08:58 AM

thanks guys

04/23/2006, 01:15 AM	#1
silentninja Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 10	is it ok to use two different spectrum light bulb?? I have 2 aqualight advanced tank mount from coral life. they are both 150watts but one is 20000k and one is 14000k. is it ok to run two different k bulbs?

04/23/2006, 01:42 AM	#2
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	That possibly gets to a physics question of waves and interference. Anybody? Could it block part of the spectrum? Probably not so the corals would be too bad off. I don't think operationally it should be a great problem, except whether the ballast can handle it. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

04/23/2006, 05:03 AM	#3
scottfarcuz Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,610	Some people are running MH color temp combos together instead of other actinics. I'm running a 14k and 20k DE HQI combo for now. I think it would be better for corals to get intense light from 2 sources that peak at different ranges. A rule of sorts with SPS keepers seems to be 20k is best for coral color where 10k is best for growth without being a yellow looking light to the eye. Some settle for 14 10 or 20k while others are using a combo of several color temps.

04/23/2006, 08:58 AM	#4
silentninja Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 10	thanks guys