I have a problem with my light!

C

cichlidcichlid

AC Members
Jun 15, 2006
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I have on one of my display tanks a 15 watt florecent. The other day it was alot dimmer than it is supposed to be and i turned it off. I tried it today and got the same affect. The ends of the bulb are black and it has trouble starting. The starter I think is fine because it does get the bulb started rather quickly dispite the bulbs condition. It has been running 12 hours a day for the past 3 years so i am assuming that it is the bulb but i just wanted to check. It still comes on so but very weak.

Also since it is a display tank only i have no plants. when i get a new bulb should i just use a plant bulb from home depot 6500k for $6 or should i get a 10000k from petco for $10- 18.

I want it for looks.

I am not sure what the original bulb that they put in is but if it is not a
10000k and is a 6500k would i notice a big diffierence?

Also it is a one bulb fixture should i get a daylight or plant bulb?

Which ever is the brightest.

cichlidcichlid
 
Grab the 10 K bulb.Its a whiter look the 6500k is more yellowish.
 
cc:

As Ice indicated the 6700K bulbs emit a light which is dull and yellowish when a human is viewing the tank.

These 6700K bulbs are typically marketed as GrowLite, SunLite, etc and I have several different brands in my garage with which I experimented as I do not enjoy the dull yellow light.

Ditto Ice on the 10000K bulb.

TR
 
BoredAgain said:
I use 5500, can't see any yellow at all.
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BA: that is correct based on Black Body Radiation theory.

To the best of my knowledge I have never observed the light emitted by a 5500K bulb but at the worst you should perceive a very, very light magenta or a very light orange tint.

TR
 
Here is some helpful info from AH Suppy, a seller of power compact lighting for aquariums:

Bulbs with a Color Temperature of 5500K through 7800K are appropriate for freshwater planted aquariums. There is no practical difference regarding plant growth, but there is an appearance difference. Bulbs around 5500K have a warmer daylight appearance similar to early morning light. Bulbs around 6700K have an appearance more like daylight in the middle of the afternoon under a clear blue sky. The 7800K bulb are just slightly bluer than the 6700K but maintain a balanced, daylight spectrum.
Click to expand...
 
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