View Full Version : Sylvania Gro-Lux
My mom picked up a couple of these bulbs this afternoon from HD because she knew I needed bulbs for a hood that I just built. I haven't been able to find the color temp of these bulbs and was wondering if anyone knew what it was and if they are suitable for use over a planted tank.
EDIT: The label on the bulb says F20T12/GRO/WS.
TIA
Elmo
stokeboy
03-13-2003, 6:34 AM
These bulbs look pink to the human eye and where developed for plant growing. However, this was for terrestrail plants and many people say that they cause algae in planted aquariams due to the high propotion of blue in the spectrum.
They can be a bit dull if used on there own and really not suitable for high light requiring plants.
They really do require extra lighting which is more white, to make them look nicer.
GulfCstAquarian
03-13-2003, 1:22 PM
Those are excellent plant bulbs. The Wide Spectrum version you got are a bit bluer, and not quite as good as the regular Gro-Lux bulbs, but are still excellent.
Check out this thread for a discussion on Plant Bulbs:
Lumens and PAR (http://www.plantedtank.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=819)
I'm not sure about the Wide Spectrum versions, but the regular Gro-Lux tubes actually have a low blue output (9.7 uE/s) versus red output (15.5 uE/s).
Reference article (http://www.aquabotanic.com/lightcompare.htm)
Algae isn't particular about color spectrum, it is a highly adaptive and opportunistic organism. Whichever light is in abundance (i.e. not being used by plants) will cause algae growth. The key is to match the photosynthetic action spectrum so plants are getting the right balance of light.
Bottom line: You've got some good bulbs. The regular Gro-Lux bulbs might grow plants a little better, but the Wide Spectrum bulbs appear a little more white and natural. I personally like the pinkish hue that the regular bulbs put out, though.
CrohnieBoy
03-17-2003, 8:28 AM
Elmo:
Take you little red fuzzy self here for the info ;) :
http://www.sylvania.com/business/news/pdfs/flpib24.pdf
beviking
03-17-2003, 12:29 PM
Originally posted by CrohnieBoy
Elmo:
Take you little red fuzzy self here for the info ;)
Ha ha! LOL!
Thanks for the link CrohnieBoy.
And it's "furry", not "fuzzy". ;)