Why 14k?

[naturebat]

My frag tank will soon be up and running, and was just going to throw a XM 10k SE over it, but after reading posts here, seems like 14k is the standard. Any reasons...better color? less bleaching?
Thanks, Matt

 

[mbunaman]

Zoas look best with this spectrum vs. 10k. Some people say they get great growth from 10K but I have seen great growth from 14k also. 20k is also another great alternative but it gives out less PAR.

 

[JF2381]

10k is good for growth in SPS but the corals look 100 times better under 14K.
I have good growth with 14k too but better/faster under 10k. (SPS only zoas have been the same)

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

14k Looks WAAAAAAAAY better! :)

 

[jessiesgrrl]

10k is good for growth in SPS but the corals look 100 times better under 14K.
I have good growth with 14k too but better/faster under 10k. (SPS only zoas have been the same)

I agree, mine bleached out under 10k T5s...

:(
Laurie

 

[naturebat]

What would be one of the better 14k SE bulbs?

 

[twon8]

imo the hands down best 14k bulb is the aquaconnect 14k, but they are impossible to find this side of the atlantic.

that being said, a frag tank would be fine under 10k, but it reallyt depends on what you are trying to prop; if zoas 10k will likely be too much light.

 

[naturebat]

Zoanthids will take up most of the room in a 20 long, some SPS and LPS though.