MH..10k or 13k, what's the diff???

CowboyUp · 11-25-2004, 04:31 PM

[smiley=dizzy.gif] I'm ordering a set of 250w halides and I have the choice of 10k or 13k bulbs to come with them. What is the difference? Is the 13k just brighter? Or is there a color difference also?

Thanks for all help in advance,

CowboyUp [smiley=cowboy.gif]

Scuba · 11-25-2004, 04:33 PM

There is a little bit of color difference, the 13k is a bit bluer than the 10k. Take a look at this page,

http://www.cameraguild.com/technology/kelvin.htm

http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/..._lighting.html

Diver_1298 · 11-26-2004, 09:45 AM

Those were two interesting articles. Thank you
Jim

CowboyUp · 11-26-2004, 04:53 PM

[smiley=2thumbsup.gif] Hey Scuba - Thanks for the awesome info!! Both sites were very useful.

Thanks,

CowboyUp [smiley=cowboy.gif]

shawnz28 · 11-27-2004, 09:57 AM

Not all 13K's have blue to them 13K's such as Aqua Medic AB 10000 bulbs are rated at 13K but are not blue at all, they actually shine white like a 10K. This also goes for the Geismann Megachrome 13K it also is very white.

hottielover14 · 11-27-2004, 11:29 AM

it said in the article that for every food your MH is above your aquarium it loses half the intensity. should i lower mine. mine are 10" above the water does that mean that i have about half the intesity. the site said to put them at about 6" but won't that be very hot and dangerous for your creatures. what should i do.

CowboyUp · 11-27-2004, 01:13 PM

Thanks Shawnz28 - I'm not sure of the brand name of bulbs that I will be getting with the retro kit. I think I will go with the 13k anyway. If I get a little blue that's cool, if not, it'll be ok for now.

CowboyUp [smiley=cowboy.gif]

CowboyUp · 11-27-2004, 01:18 PM

Birdlady - By the way I read the article, you may want to lower your lights. I also read an article on WetWebMedia and it pretty much said the same thing. Heat is one of the drawbacks of MH lighting that we all have to figure out a way to deal with. I'm installing 2 additional fans in my canopy to help with this.

CowboyUp [smiley=cowboy.gif]

hottielover14 · 11-27-2004, 03:10 PM

ok should i put it at 6" or 8". I have a fan that i use to cool my tank. it blows thru the pendants

hottielover14 · 11-27-2004, 04:06 PM

i did it...i lowered it from about 9.5"-10" to about 6.5". do u think it will make a big difference in my tank. I will have to watch my temp tomarrow when the lights go on. Like I said before,i have a fan which has seemed to help in the past but now there closer.