10k vs. 14k -the test - cancelled, sorry!

I recently switched to 14k phoenix bulbs. According to Sanjay's analysis, the phoenix 14k's come in around 88 PAR, and the aqualine 10k's I was running come in around 108 PAR. Ever since switching to the 14k's I have noticed a significant decrease in SPS growth. SO... I decided to work up an expiriment to see just how much growth I get under 10k vs. 14k. (The coloration in the coral is soooo much better under the 14k's.)

Here is a side by side pic - 14k on left, 10k on right.

I have three different pieces of brown digitata, and three pieces of green capricornus. One of each placed directly under each light at exactly the same depth. Then one of each at the same depth in the middle (acting as a sort of "control").

The digitatas measure exactly 1 1/4" each. I will post pics and progress weekly.

Digi under 14k:

Digi in center of tank:

Digi under 10k:

Edited by ssilcox

This is great Shane, How long do you plan on doing the experiment.

Keep us posted, I have two months untill I have to buy new bulbs.

Heh heh - I am planning on a month. I figure I should be able to see decent results in a month. However - we'll see how it goes.

Worse case scenario - I put a 10k and a 14k on either side!

Edited by ssilcox

I'd be very interested in publishing a write up on this.  Time lapsed pics to compare color and growth would be most useful.

Adam

It will be interesting to see the results.  But I'm sure the results might be different with different corals (for example my red stylophora turns blue under actinics and even 14k mh)

Worse case scenario - I put a 10k and a 14k on either side!

I did that on my tank for a while... it looks kinda strange

I did about the same thing I had 10k and switched them to 14k. At first I really liked the 14k the color of my corals was awesome but it seemed like my growth slowed way down. So after about a month I got sick of the 14K lights and switced one back to the 10K and man what a differance I could see everthing on the one side again. It seemed so dark with the 14k compared to the 10k. I gave the 14k away because I hated them after a month. I convinced myself that 10k is the way to go.

I'll try that. I got some colored acro frags tonight from a friend of mine, I will try some on either side.

I just went with the brown digi because of how fast they typically grow.

Jon: are you getting good growth out of your 400w 20K?

As far as look goes ... I really think there is a big difference from bulb to bulb. I didn't much like my Hamilton bulb, but I'm pretty sold on the phoenix (AC). I currently have a 20K -- 14K -- 20K over my 120. I did notice a growth increase when i changed out the center 20K for the 14K , but I also noticed some color changes in my corals (a few good and a few no so good). I don't think i will go all 14K though.

I just went with the brown digi because of how fast they typically grow.

I totally see why you picked the digi  ... It was a real after thought on my part.... wondering what the color diffs would be after a month.


Edited by coreyk

are you getting good growth out of your 400w 20K?

I don't know what effect the 20K bulb in the center has because I've always had it and have no experience without it.  As for growth, I have some sps that grow very fast and other's that don't appear to be growing at all.

LOL ..

So are you going 20K, 14K, or 10K ... DE or SE ?