10,000k or 6500k

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by geodehunter, Sep 17, 2011.

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  1. geodehunter

    geodehunter Plankton

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    Which bulb would be better for my tank? TIA
     
    geodehunter, Sep 17, 2011
    geodehunter, Sep 17, 2011
    #1

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  2. coylee_17

    coylee_17 Fire Goby

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    10000K, the 6500 is more for freshwater, or would do over the fuge.
     
    coylee_17, Sep 17, 2011
    coylee_17, Sep 17, 2011
    #2
  3. coylee_17

    coylee_17 Fire Goby

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    I guess I should have asked what you are keeping in the tank or plan to keep? The 6500K would do if it were fish only. Sorry about that.
     
    coylee_17, Sep 17, 2011
    coylee_17, Sep 17, 2011
    #3
  4. reefpets

    reefpets 3reef Sponsor

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    What do you have in your tank? Most people desire a bluer bulb to make the colors pop which makes the tank more attractive. Therefore, if you are using metal halides with no actinics I would use 20K bulbs. 6500 and 10K will be very bland with more of a yellow look to your tank.
     
    reefpets, Sep 17, 2011
    reefpets, Sep 17, 2011
    #4
  5. geodehunter

    geodehunter Plankton

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    Right now my tank is empty. I should have mentioned that I will be using a t-5 fixture that I have here. It is a 2 bulb light. I will be getting some corals (not sure which ones yet). So should I get the 20,000k then? Thanks, Robbie
     
    geodehunter, Sep 17, 2011
    geodehunter, Sep 17, 2011
    #5
  6. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Get a 10000K to 15000K bulb and a 20000K bulb.

    Welcome to 3reef.
     
    2in10, Sep 17, 2011
    2in10, Sep 17, 2011
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  7. schackmel

    schackmel Giant Squid

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    it would depend on your preference. Do you like a blue tint tank or more of a white color. The 6500 will definately be more yellow tinged where the 10k will be more white. next is the 14k that has slight shade of blue and 20k is more blue color. I personally like the blue color of the tanks however others want the white color.

    Also the lower the k the faster the coral growth will be. I personally would go with a 14k as you still can have rapid growth but not as harsh as the 10k bulb
     
    schackmel, Sep 17, 2011
    schackmel, Sep 17, 2011
    #7
  8. geodehunter

    geodehunter Plankton

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    Thanks for the replys guy's. I think I will start out with a pair of 14,000k bulbs and go from there. Just enough white and blue should make the tank really pop. ;D
     
    geodehunter, Sep 17, 2011
    geodehunter, Sep 17, 2011
    #8
  9. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    6500K will likely give you the best growth, this may be a consideration, especially with just 2 bulbs. However, it will look very ugly. The 14000K or 20000K will look better, but especially with 2 bulbs may not be sufficient to grow much. Sort of depends what you want to keep though.
     
    m2434, Sep 17, 2011
    m2434, Sep 17, 2011
    #9
  10. geodehunter

    geodehunter Plankton

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    Should I sell my 2 bulb outfit and buy a 4 bulb? :confused:
     
    geodehunter, Sep 17, 2011
    geodehunter, Sep 17, 2011
    #10
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