It is hard to recommend a good kelvin number without knowing what type of lighting you will be running. Many reefs have combined lights. I would not go below 6500K for sure. 6500K would be best run with actinic bulbs as well (I beleive few aquarist go this route). Many aquarist combine 10 000K with actinics. You can go as high as 20 000K which usually don't need to have to run actinics. Many different combinations are used to achieve the desired look (color in aquarium). 6500K is more yellowish, 10 000K is whiter and 20 000k is more blue. So there really is no clear cut answer to your question. I could give you suggestions if I knew what lighting system you will be running.
diy reef lighting
- Thread starter hayden
- Start date
I would skip MH lights as the heat they produce will require a chiller.... get good T-5HO lights and they will allow you to grow SPS LPS mushrooms etc.... they put out the lumens wich is key here not watts and don't heat the water... if you shop arround you can get retro kits for cheap as far as bulbs go I recommend geismans
MH's are a very good idea for larger tanks were you need high lighting. (75G+) For cooling, just aim a computer fan to blow wind accross the surface of the tank water.
or....u can always drop a couple grand on the new LED lights they have recently put out. ive heard rave reviews. Although i dont know anyone persoanlly that can afford them lol
