Interesting site for (very technical) explanation of the Kelvin rating system.
- Thread starter Bristlenose Chuck
- Start date
You're right very technical.
I just went out and bought myself a double shop light(4 - 4ft. tubes) at Lowe's for $8 each and 4 - 3400K tubes(Sylvania "Gro-Lux"). I already have 2 "Sunlight"(5000K) tubes in another fixture. I'll take one of the 5000Ks out out the one fixture and put it with 3 of the Gro Lux and the left over Gro Lux will go into the pre-existing fixture with the 5000K. This should give me a nice blend of color spectrum for a low-light(80 watts) 55 gal. and a relatively high-light(160 watts) 55 gal.
The way it was explained to me is that these Gro Lux tubes, even at a lower K rating supply much of the light that aquarium plants need. Much of that light is not visible to the human eye so the tubes "look" dimmer, but it's supposed to do a good job for the plants, and enhance the look of the fish as well. I've talked with a number of people who love them.
When you get into that 'lumen', and 'color spectrum' stuff you leave me in the dust. It just gives me a headache. If people tell me they've used them and they work I give them a try. I'll let you all know what my experience is......
Len
I just went out and bought myself a double shop light(4 - 4ft. tubes) at Lowe's for $8 each and 4 - 3400K tubes(Sylvania "Gro-Lux"). I already have 2 "Sunlight"(5000K) tubes in another fixture. I'll take one of the 5000Ks out out the one fixture and put it with 3 of the Gro Lux and the left over Gro Lux will go into the pre-existing fixture with the 5000K. This should give me a nice blend of color spectrum for a low-light(80 watts) 55 gal. and a relatively high-light(160 watts) 55 gal.
The way it was explained to me is that these Gro Lux tubes, even at a lower K rating supply much of the light that aquarium plants need. Much of that light is not visible to the human eye so the tubes "look" dimmer, but it's supposed to do a good job for the plants, and enhance the look of the fish as well. I've talked with a number of people who love them.
When you get into that 'lumen', and 'color spectrum' stuff you leave me in the dust. It just gives me a headache. If people tell me they've used them and they work I give them a try. I'll let you all know what my experience is......
Len