Kelvin
Color temperature unitDefinition
Kelvin (K) measures the color temperature of a light source. Higher K = bluer; lower K = warmer/yellower.
Practical use
Reef LEDs typically run 14,000-22,000K (blue-heavy spectrum where coral fluoresces). Planted FW LEDs run 6,500-7,500K (full spectrum mimicking sunlight). Most reef LEDs let you tune K via blue + white channel mix.
Browse the full glossary for more aquarium terms.