View Full Version : What is "K"
Viriatha
10-20-2009, 1:02 PM
In this thread,
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209038
bazil323 talks about making sure bulbs have the correct K rating (K rating (6500-10000K) for that thread).
What is this rating?
I'm looking at a bulb dealer page and I see lumens and color temperature and many other things but not 'K'.
coach_z
10-20-2009, 1:07 PM
K in terms of lighting=color temperature
when we are talking about ferts, k=potassium
special K = Cereal
Viriatha
10-20-2009, 1:09 PM
ok, thank you!
coach_z
10-20-2009, 1:10 PM
ok, thank you!
welcome...
btw - good question, im sure many people wonder it.
SubRosa
10-20-2009, 1:11 PM
It stands for Kelvin.
stylusnc
10-20-2009, 1:11 PM
I understand the K rating, being 'kelvin' rating. Lower ratings give off a warmer, softer light with higher ratings giving off a whiter, piercing day-light type of light.
The higher ratings do much more than just change the appearance of the light, of course. That's when you get into heating/photosynthesis. Correct me if I am wrong, I am by no means an expert in the matter.
The Zigman
10-20-2009, 1:39 PM
Yeah Kelvins..
and special K isnt that Special...
the higher the K rating, the Bluer the light is..
soft white (is really yellowish) is about 2700k, bright white is about 500K Daylight (Even Whiter) is about 6700K
coach_z
10-20-2009, 1:49 PM
It stands for Kelvin.
yea that too.......
stratusfearrr
10-20-2009, 2:14 PM
i love special k!
but yeah, k stands for the kelvin rating of a light bulb
Viriatha
10-20-2009, 2:22 PM
My current bulbs are very blue-ish but I'm not sure I should trust that to believe they're a higher K rating.
This is good to know when I go to buy new bulbs, though!
The Zigman
10-20-2009, 3:04 PM
If you are looking to grow plants in a freshwater aquarium, try to find bulbs in the daylight range, around 6700K
jpappy789
10-20-2009, 5:12 PM
I personally prefer a mix of 6700 and 10000 K