10k or 16k, that is the question!

Discussion in 'LED Aquarium Lighting' started by Hoopastank, Sep 7, 2015.

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  1. Hoopastank

    Hoopastank Spaghetti Worm

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    I have an AI Prime light and it is set to 16k settings with the red and green turned off. My Zoas are not opening up a much as they used to, but i have noticed a lot of new growth on the back of them. I have also added a candy cane coral over the past week, which is doing fine under the lighting. I was just wanting some opinions with the 10k vs 16k. If i change the light to 10k it's more white then blue, but which is preferred or better for the corals.

    Thanks! :)
     
    Hoopastank, Sep 7, 2015
    Hoopastank, Sep 7, 2015
    #1

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  2. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

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    10k will cause better growth, 16k will give better colors.
     
    Va Reef, Sep 7, 2015
    Va Reef, Sep 7, 2015
    #2
  3. Hoopastank

    Hoopastank Spaghetti Worm

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    I have had it set to 16k for a while now. Is it bad if i change it and see how it goes?
     
    Hoopastank, Sep 7, 2015
    Hoopastank, Sep 7, 2015
    #3
  4. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

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    I would say no. Reefs have different spectrums every day based on cloud cover and such.
     
    Va Reef, Sep 7, 2015
    Va Reef, Sep 7, 2015
    #4
  5. Hoopastank

    Hoopastank Spaghetti Worm

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    Thnaks Va, I'm going to give it a try!
     
    Hoopastank, Sep 7, 2015
    Hoopastank, Sep 7, 2015
    #5
  6. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    I'm guessing a mixture/both is not possible?
     
    Todd_Sails, Sep 7, 2015
    Todd_Sails, Sep 7, 2015
    #6

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  7. pmcarbrey

    pmcarbrey Plankton

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    Both are suitable for coral growth. If you are having problems with your zoas not opening I would check your water quality. What is your salinity, Ammonia, Nitrite, Alk, Cal, ect.
     
    pmcarbrey, Sep 7, 2015
    pmcarbrey, Sep 7, 2015
    #7
  8. Hoopastank

    Hoopastank Spaghetti Worm

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    thats the least of the worries right now with my zoas. The bridge rock that they were on fell somehow and they snapped off. I glued them back to the rock, well see how they get on.. But that makes sence of the water. its off, i have some ammonia in it right now .25 did a water change last week...
     
    Hoopastank, Sep 7, 2015
    Hoopastank, Sep 7, 2015
    #8
  9. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    I don't think switching to 10k would make your ZOA's open, there's another issues.

    You can switch to 10k, but there's a reason most ppl don't choose to, it's unpleasing to the eye. Ppl running 10k use an actinic to supplement, typically.

    I am and have been running 20k with 2 4' actinic bulbs.
     
    Kevin_E, Sep 8, 2015
    Kevin_E, Sep 8, 2015
    #9
  10. Hoopastank

    Hoopastank Spaghetti Worm

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    I hve been running the 10k for two days now, and the few corals that i have seem to love it! everything is opening up better the, candy cane is more puffy, and the pallys that i have are about the size of a quarter now. I re-glued the zoas that broke off the rock and they seem to be okay, starting to open more. I will see what happens. It is a lot more bright and yes its not as pleasing to the eye, but things do look more healthy and happy.
     
    Hoopastank, Sep 9, 2015
    Hoopastank, Sep 9, 2015
    #10
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