I've just gotten a new aquarium and have to buy light bulbs for the cover. They sell clear and blue color. Except for the obvious, are there any reasons to purchase blue instead of clear.
Bulb color
- Thread starter MichelMoussette
- Start date
right, actinic or blue better simulates being at deeper depths or dusk/dawn for species that prefer lower light. What are your requirements? What kind of fish do you have? Any live plants?
another question is what kind of hood did you buy? does it use incandescent or flourescent bulbs? if flourescent, see the other guys' questions, but if it's incandescent, you're more or less just looking for what color you find more pleasing to the eye (assuming you aren't growing plants).
That kind of depends... If you have plants, you would want a bulb that provides the wavelengths (colors) they they need to thrive.
Aesthetics is what I assume you mean when you say the obvious... With no other factors, I would stay away from blue if you have orange or red fish, something with a warmer color will enhance their colors more.
Don't limit yourself to what you find in the LFS either. Places like Wal*Mart and Home Depot have a nice selection. And they are usually a heck of a lot cheaper. Any bulb that is the same length will do fine.
Most of the time, the LFS doesn't have as much selection as it seems. Since they are catering to everybody, freshwater and saltwater alike, much of their selection will be inappropriate for each individual consumer.
[Hmmm... either I took a long time to type that, our you guys were really fast! LOL]
Aesthetics is what I assume you mean when you say the obvious... With no other factors, I would stay away from blue if you have orange or red fish, something with a warmer color will enhance their colors more.
Don't limit yourself to what you find in the LFS either. Places like Wal*Mart and Home Depot have a nice selection. And they are usually a heck of a lot cheaper. Any bulb that is the same length will do fine.
Most of the time, the LFS doesn't have as much selection as it seems. Since they are catering to everybody, freshwater and saltwater alike, much of their selection will be inappropriate for each individual consumer.
[Hmmm... either I took a long time to type that, our you guys were really fast! LOL]
Last edited:
I hate those bulbs. they wear out faster. I dont know what the blue does but I would go with the White ones they tend to last longer and you can grow plants with them if you want
it's a matter of need with bulbs.
if you plan on planting live plants consider natural spectrum or plant gro lite.
otherwise it how you percieve the light and which bulb cast light you thin makes your aquarium look better in.
if you plan on planting live plants consider natural spectrum or plant gro lite.
otherwise it how you percieve the light and which bulb cast light you thin makes your aquarium look better in.
GK and star_rider, I have moved your posts to the original thread this member started of the same title. Deleting the second, duplicate thread 