10,000k/actinic ok?

[ChicoRaton]

I am looking at buying one of these for my 55:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3806&Ne=40000&R=18414&N=2004+113176+22735

but it comes with two 10,000k/actinic combo bulbs. My understanding is these won't work well for growing plants. is this right?

If so, Anybody want to buy 2 brand new 65 watt 50/50 powercompact bulbs? Please respond asap, as I'd like to place the order tonight.

Thanks!

[djlen]

That is correct. They will not work for planted tanks. They are geared toward reef tanks.

Len

[Seaman]

10,000k bulbs will work but actinic are useless for planted FW tanks.

[ChicoRaton]

I'm looking at getting a customsealife BriteLite fixture instead. these ship with 8,800k bulbs. how would those do? I'm assuming if 6500 is good to ideal and 10,000 works, 8,800k will be good.

[QCppg]

Consider that a plant's absorbtion spectrum is the color that it is NOT. ie green plants absorb mostly red light. Actinic is blue (think blue neon), which is not absorbed as strongly by standard green cholrophyll. If you can try to get a "Daylight" or 6500 kelvin lamp.

[ChicoRaton]

OK, so now there's more confusion. Big Al's has the britelite fixture for $99. But I called and the guy said that there was a switch-over and some have 8,800k bulbs and some have 10,000k bulbs, and it's a grab-bag as to what you get. I wish I could see a spectrum graph of the 8,800k and 10,000k bulbs because just the k ratong doesn't really tell you where the peaks are, which is what is most important in a bulb for growing plants right? I plan to keep mainly low light plants like crypts and anubias and use DIY CO2. at 2.36 wpg, do you think the spectral deficiencies of an 8800 or 10000k bulb would be made up for, or is there a better way to spend my $100? (on lighting)

Thanks.

[ChicoRaton]

Actually, I found a better way to spend my money. See other thread, "Think this'll work?"

[125gJoe]

A little late on my posting, but yes, the 8800K's will work fine..

[nvision]

10,000k works fine over my 20g. i chose this spectrum out of preference because yellower lights in my room makes me sleepy...