what color temp?

exhumed07

Superstar Fish
Apr 30, 2006
1,774
0
36
Illinois
#1
ok i've been kinda wondering, since i should replace the bulbs in my new 55, what do u all think are the best color temps for a planted tank, I got t5ho fixture. I've been just buying "plant" bulbs before. but is there a specific color temp that anyone recommends? I've heard 6000k.
 

Feb 27, 2009
4,395
0
36
#3
Color temperature is important for plant growth. Anything from 4000K to 10,000K works. Look for peaks in reds and yellows.

PAR values (very expensive to get the equipment to be able to determine that) have replaced the old 'wats per gallon' rule of thumb.
 

exhumed07

Superstar Fish
Apr 30, 2006
1,774
0
36
Illinois
#4
i still use the watts per gallon myself. it still works very well. but then again i still love the fact my truck has a distributor cap and not a coil pack. i tend to like the older ways of doing things lol. but staying on topic would u say a 6000k and say a 10,000k together would be a good combo?
 

Lotus

Ultimate Fish
Moderator
Aug 26, 2003
15,115
13
38
Southern California
home.earthlink.net
#7
I've usually been happiest with 6700K. Those seem to have a good balance of light for the plants while giving everything in the tank a nice color. Some of the bluer/higher K ratings sometimes make fish with red/orange colors look "off." A lot of it's personal opinion, but most bulbs in the 6000 to 10,000K range will work for the plants well enough.
 

exhumed07

Superstar Fish
Apr 30, 2006
1,774
0
36
Illinois
#8
right now the tank has kinda a yellow color to it. i'm not happy about the color of the bulbs currently in it. i'm wanting close to natural sunlight as possible as i can get with florecent lighting.