Lighting Help

[forenpa1]

I am setting up my old 72 gallon bow front (converting from salt as I moved up to a 120 RR) and was wondering what lighting you would suggest- I have a coralife 2x65 watt actinic and 2X65 watt 10K- I need to replace the bilbs and was wonering if there are better choices for a freshwater tank - I am planning on a community type tank with some common swords plants and other common plants found at a petco kinda place.

[180gz71]

I dont know if this is the exact spectrum. This is what ive always used with success- 6700k mixed with 5500K and 10,000K.

[Robert H]

Forget the actinic, and 10,000 kelvin doesn't do anything either. You want a full spectrum light that simulates sunlight, 6500-6700 kelvin. All total something around 200 to 250 watts would be good. Kelvin is mostly just for appearance. Its just the color of the light. The most important thing is the intensity of the light system.

[Rex Grigg]

I will differ with Robert here. 10,000k will work just fine. I personally would not choose it as it looks too blue to me. But many people grow plants with it and have no problem.