Mixing MH bulbs?

[naturebatslast]

Almost stupid to ask, but, has anyone done this?
I was looking at my reflector for 2 x 250w, there's a 5" distance between the tips of the 250 SE bulbs, the reflector is a parallel PFO that's 36".

For example,
if you mixed a 14k(a true 14k with ok PAR) and a 10k(XM with excellent PAR), would it appear more white on one side, with the bluer bulb being drowned out on the the 10k side of the tank? Also, the tank is 24" deep, and the color difference may be noticed on higher rockwork?
Or, with the bulbs being only 5" on a parallel reflector, the bulbs could blend more, and there's not so much of a blue versus white sides?

 

[smcnally]

I remember seeing photos on RC of a tank that had lighting like you describe. It was pretty noticable. I run all 10,000k bulbs, but have one 250W with one 175W on each side of it. It looks fine, but you can notice that the center of the tank is a little bit brighter.

 

[naturebatslast]

Thanks. I'm playing with this idea, but it just doesn't sound like it would look right.

 

[Greg Hiller]

I have a mix of 10 K and 14 K bulbs. 14-10-14-10-14. It depends upon the reflector how well the light mixes. You can raise the fixture a bit to help with the mixing. I'm pretty happy with the way mine mixes.

 

[naturebatslast]

Thanks Greg.

I have a mix of 10 K and 14 K bulbs. 14-10-14-10-14. It depends upon the reflector how well the light mixes. You can raise the fixture a bit to help with the mixing. I'm pretty happy with the way mine mixes.

Hmmmm. Maybe at worst, I try it, and if I don't like it sell the 14k as a used bulb. Hmmm.

 

[Cheetos]

I had a 14k on one side and a 10k on the other and it was quite noticable!

 

[naturebatslast]

Thanks. What kind of reflector was on the tank, and how long was the tank?

 

[Calciumbuf]

I mix 14k20k14k20k14k20k with great results nice and even using RoIII pendants about 13" of the surface.On a 6' tank.

 

[jebar777]

im sure someonw has a couple used bulbs they could let you borrow? and post pics of it when your done cause i wqas toying with the idea also...

 

[naturebatslast]

What would be a good 14k SE bulb? I'm looking for decent PAR, but most 14k SE bulbs come in at almost half the PAR of a 10k XM (on a PFO standard ballast). Unscientifically assuming, it would seems the most drastic the difference in PAR the more noticeable the difference would be. AB 13k seems nice.