Which is better?

[ChicoRaton]

Sorry for the double post, I asked this in Aquatic Plants forum too but thought it might be better in here. Basically, which is better for plant growth...( this is CF going on a 55g.) 110 watts of "plant-gro" 6500k lighting, or 192 watts of 10,000k lighting, and how much better?

Thanks.

[RTR]

That depends in part on what you want to do, and the "look" you like or can endure.

For me, I'd take the 2W/gal 6700K anytime - i don't like the look of 10,000 - it is cold and artificial to me, I'd rather have plastic plants. But some folk like it- or got used to it on their reefs.

[Mako]

I kinda like the 10,000K color, and would go that route myself, but I don't think the plants will give a dern. The 6700K is closer to natural light for a freshwater plant (since most tropical aquatics don't live deep, deep down where light becomes bluish). But the 10,000K will give you more than enough light in the right ways. Plus, the higher wattage you mention will help any light-hungry/difficult plants you want to grow.

Note, though, that red colored plants will looks light-years better under 6700 though.