6,700k vs. 10,000k

I am ordering some pc lightbulbs tomorrow..

Butying 96w dual bulbs..

My question is this,

I'm either going for 6700k (more yellowish light) or 10,000k (white light) along with 7100k actinic.

Which would you prefer buying if the choice was up to you? 6700k or 10,000k?

The lighting will be over a reef tank with mostly softies.

 

Most people generally prefer the 10000K over the 6700K for a saltwater tank. 6700K is more conducive to plant and algae growth, and so it would be what you would want for a freshwater planted tank, or a marine refugium with a macroalgae in it. But over your display tank, it may encourage unwanted algae growth.

Just as a side note, are you sure your actinic bulbs are 7100K? I thought most actinics are around 20000K or so?

 

Thanks, I'll definately get the 10,000k.

As far as the actinics, I have choices of Actinic 03 (said to be more purplish) or 7100k, which is said to be blue.

(i'm ordering them from a catalogue.)

 

I agree the 10000k will give a more pleasing look for a reef. Coral colors tend to wash out more under 6700k.

 

+1 for 10,000k

 

Alright, will do 10000k! Thanks!

 

7100k is not an actinic nor a blue lamp... Actinic is different than blue, even though most people think they are the same or use the term interchangably. Most PC actinic lamps are BLUE.... ACTINIC is actually violet in color. When you see nM when talking about "actinic" lamps that will be more of an indicator of whether it will be blue or violet. 420 is more violet while 460 is blue.

Most likely something is goofed up as the 7100k lamp will be yellow.

Good luck!