PH difference from 20k & 20k Bulbs

mhosts · 03/01/2010, 07:28 PM

I've been doing some experimenting lately since I got my apex with a PH probe in it.

What I have noticed, is that my Reef PH tends to be almost .2 higher during the photo period when I use my 10k bulbs vs my 20k bulbs.

When using 10k the range is between 8.05 in the morning and 8.35 when the lights turn off

When using 20k the range is between 7.9 in the morning and 8.15 when the lights turn off.

Does this mean that the corals are getting less usable light and photosynthesizing less when using the 20k bulbs? If so, are the long term effects of using 20k bulbs not that good? I mean (2+ years).

ireefn · 03/01/2010, 07:31 PM

Yes they are getting less, but the only real difference for me is growth is somewhat slower with the 20k's but I like the look much better.

mhosts · 03/01/2010, 10:51 PM

How long have you been running 20k's if you don't mind me asking?

Toddrtrex · 03/02/2010, 01:44 AM

I have been running 20,000K bulbs (( first XM's, and now on my 2nd set of Radiums )) 2*250 over my 58 for about 2.5 years now. Growth has never been an issue --- well maybe too much growth. Heck my tabling milli put on about 9 inches (( all the way around )) in less then a year.

sra127 · 03/02/2010, 08:45 AM

then i wouldnt change a thing....

mhosts · 03/02/2010, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toddrtrex

I have been running 20,000K bulbs (( first XM's, and now on my 2nd set of Radiums )) 2*250 over my 58 for about 2.5 years now. Growth has never been an issue --- well maybe too much growth. Heck my tabling milli put on about 9 inches (( all the way around )) in less then a year.

I will just keep a close eye on things for the first month or so then...

If I see issues then I'll go back to 10k's

I have 2 250w over my 5' 120. with 4 compact fluorescent (330 watts).

03/01/2010, 07:28 PM	#1
mhosts Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 424	PH difference from 20k & 20k Bulbs I've been doing some experimenting lately since I got my apex with a PH probe in it. What I have noticed, is that my Reef PH tends to be almost .2 higher during the photo period when I use my 10k bulbs vs my 20k bulbs. When using 10k the range is between 8.05 in the morning and 8.35 when the lights turn off When using 20k the range is between 7.9 in the morning and 8.15 when the lights turn off. Does this mean that the corals are getting less usable light and photosynthesizing less when using the 20k bulbs? If so, are the long term effects of using 20k bulbs not that good? I mean (2+ years).

03/02/2010, 01:44 AM	#4
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	I have been running 20,000K bulbs (( first XM's, and now on my 2nd set of Radiums )) 2*250 over my 58 for about 2.5 years now. Growth has never been an issue --- well maybe too much growth. Heck my tabling milli put on about 9 inches (( all the way around )) in less then a year. __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef

03/02/2010, 08:45 AM	#5
sra127 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pembroke Pines, Fl Posts: 673	then i wouldnt change a thing.... __________________ 90 Gallon, 30 Gallon Fuge, Octo 150 DNWB, 18 Watt UV, Carbon and Phosban, MP 40, 2 Icecap 660's running 6 T5's, Lots of coral, PBT, Naso, Yellow, Pair of B&W Clowns, Purple Firefish, Sixline and Radiant Wrasse 14 Gallon Nano, 150 HQI, Lots of frags, Clam, 1 Rainford goby needing a buddy.... Current Tank Info: 300 gallon custom tank.

03/01/2010, 07:31 PM	#2
ireefn Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: boaz, al Posts: 77	Yes they are getting less, but the only real difference for me is growth is somewhat slower with the 20k's but I like the look much better.

03/01/2010, 10:51 PM	#3
mhosts Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 424	How long have you been running 20k's if you don't mind me asking?