Starting Out

[Jaws]

I heard you're supposed to use a lower K bulb if you want your corals to grow faster. When you're first starting to build your reef tank, adding frags and different colonies, should you start with 6500K bulbs to help them grow faster? Right now I have 2 250W 10000K Geismann double ended bulbs and 1 250W 13000K Geismann double ended bulb. Will those work just as good or should I start out using a lower K?

[kuatto]

I've only running mh since xmas(250w 10k bulb)
I was told the lower k (below 6k)would be too yellow and give you more of an algae bloom.The 10k bulbs should be fine,just gradually increase amount of light(start with lights higher up)or slowing increase amount of time they're on over a couple of weeks.Maybe the guys who been running mh longer can be of more help.

Jim

[Aquattro]

your bulbs will be just fine. The 65k actually have more PAR (iwasakis, anyways) and this is what gives you more growth. Colors tend to not be as intense though. Overall, the 10k are great, and the double ended are the best 10k available. Have fun growing things!!

[Jaws]

Great, thanks for your help.