My New Nano Tank Journal - 20 Gallons Long Tank

[BlueAbyss]

14K bulbs are more blue than 10K bulbs, as the numbers get higher it gets more blue. A 6.5K bulb would look significantly less blue (or more yellow depending on how you look at it) than a 10k but will likely still look quite white, though they are rarely used in reef aquaria (more common on freshwater planted tanks).

On a side note, I myself would go with a 30" hood for good even light coverage unless you were planning on having a lower light region in the tank for organisms that would not do well in an intensely lit position. I have looked into this rather extensively and it seems that if you are planning on having a large variety of different organisms, ie: not dominated by SPS, having a lower light area is a good idea, to approximate the different zones of a reef better.

[MCC]

Originally Posted by BlueAbyss

14K bulbs are more blue than 10K bulbs, as the numbers get higher it gets more blue. A 6.5K bulb would look significantly less blue (or more yellow depending on how you look at it) than a 10k but will likely still look quite white, though they are rarely used in reef aquaria (more common on freshwater planted tanks).

On a side note, I myself would go with a 30" hood for good even light coverage unless you were planning on having a lower light region in the tank for organisms that would not do well in an intensely lit position. I have looked into this rather extensively and it seems that if you are planning on having a large variety of different organisms, ie: not dominated by SPS, having a lower light area is a good idea, to approximate the different zones of a reef better.

But here is the thing... A SunPod 20" vs 30" ... its the same thing.. with the MH bulb in the middle... It doesn't make a difference what the size of the hood..... Or if you are working with a MH Pendant... its the same thing isn't it??? Light is dispersed across the 30 inch tank no matter how long the fixture is... with only one MH bulb in the middle.... I understand as you get larger the fixture 36" and up... it has two MH bulbs or even 3 MH bulbs.... so from my research it seems like 30" or lower fixtures... its all the same.. you are paying the extra $$ for a better "fit"

[BlueAbyss]

Originally Posted by MCC

But here is the thing... A SunPod 20" vs 30" ... its the same thing.. with the MH bulb in the middle... It doesn't make a difference what the size of the hood..... Or if you are working with a MH Pendant... its the same thing isn't it??? Light is dispersed across the 30 inch tank no matter how long the fixture is... with only one MH bulb in the middle.... I understand as you get larger the fixture 36" and up... it has two MH bulbs or even 3 MH bulbs.... so from my research it seems like 30" or lower fixtures... its all the same.. you are paying the extra $$ for a better "fit"

Yep thats exactly it. A 20" and 30" fixture is just made to fit different tank dimensions and, barring differences in the reflector or ballast used, will produce the same light.

[MCC]

Today went to the LFS ... and picked up four small pieces of corals...

Aussie Acanthastrea (purple/red + green ones)
Frogspawn (Hard to describe the color, but it isn't the common green or brown ones I usually see in stores)
Elegance coral (Green color)
Red Mushrooms on a rock

I will take pictures of it when it opens up later in the day

[BlueAbyss]

So, how 'bout those pics?