Best/brightest bulb for my tank?

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abelman

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Jun 2, 2004
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I would appreciate some guidance as to what type of flourescent bulb I should purchase to replace the original 40w 48" T12 (GE) bulb that came with my 72 gallon bow front tank (with a one bulb hood). I asked at my LFS for a comparably bright bulb, that would best enhance the appearance of my freshwater fish (red parrots, spotted puffers, clown loaches, etc.), and they suggested I get a "Reef Sun 50/50" bulb, since it would be the brightest for my tank. (My tank does not have live plants.) When I tried that bulb, it clearly did not light up my tank as well as my original bulb - the tank appeared much dimmer and the colors of my fish were less enhanced. Hence, I would appreciate your advice as to what type (and brand) of bulb would be best suited for my needs (freshwater/no plants) and interests (brightest/color enhancing).
Also, can you tell me if it should make a difference if I would replace a T12 bulb with a T8 bulb?

thanks for your help.
 
I have used LifeGlo bulbs by Hagen to good effect in my tanks.
They are 6700 K bulbs that put out a lot of lumens, and certainly will surpass the apparent brightness of a 50/50 bulb.
I, too, looked for the brightest "regular" flourescent bulbs. (I used to keep plants, but not longer do so.) I thought "Ultra Tri-Lux bulbs were bright until I found that LifeGlo seemed to surpass them in brightness.

Unless you do an upgrade to compact flourescents, LifeGlo bulbs should work for you.
I'm sure other folks will recommend some other bulbs too, I just may not be familiar with them.

Bill in WI
 
I used a pair of 40 watt GE "plant/aquarium" bulbs. THey're only $6 apiece and preform decently.
 
thanks for your help.

The hood on my tank only accomodates 1 regular (2-pin), so I don't think a pair of bulbs or compact flourescent is an option for me. Any ideas as to the brightest single flourescent bulb? Should I be looking for one labeled as 10,000 k ?
 
50/50 bulbs won't be the brightest you can get. They're 50% actinic which is a blue sort of light. With a regular flourecscent fixture you're going to max out your brightness at about 40w. What really makes the difference in the appearance is the temperature of the light. A 6700k light is like a nice sunny day but it can be a little too bright sometimes. Somewhere around 5000k might be a little nicer.

Tom
 
I agree with Tom (as usual). If you liked your last bulb, why not go to Home Depot (or an equivalent) and get another. Look for a kelvin rating between 5000 and 6700K. I like the GE "Daylight Ultra " (or some such name).

I just wanted to add that the only difference between T8 and T12 is the diameter of the tube (1" and 1.5" respectively) and the T8's use a little less electricity. Both will fit in your hood, there will be less room around the T12.
 
I am using a 5000k bulb and its nice and smooth colored not harsh just like a good sunny day and my tank looks good and plants are doing good.
 
Thanks for your suggestions, the verdict is in ...

I tried out every 48" T12 at Home Depot, as well as some higher priced ones recommended at my LFS, and I found the Philips Daylight Deluxe to be the brightest and most color-enhancing for my fish. (I do not have any live plants.) The bulb is a 40w, 2325 lumens, 6500k and costs $5.49 at HD.
 
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