29g lighting suggestion

C

cnoon

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Jun 16, 2007
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I'm looking at lighting from ahsupply.com to retrofit my current lighting. In particular the 55W Bright Kit, and bulb.

I have not committed yet to any particular type of plants, and was wondering what K value I should purchase? 5000, 6700, 7800, or 10,000?
any suggestions? Would a brighter light hurt plants only needing low light?

I understand algae will become more prominent with more light, and I plan on some kind of DIY co2 rig to control it and help plant growth. I plan on following the co2 injection sticky here. Any words of wisdom before diving in?
 
rich311k said:
Light color really doesn't much matter depends what you like.
Low light plants will do fine under higher light. Low light just means they can survive under low light.
Click to expand...


So color is just a matter of preference? Will certain plants do any better or worse under different range of color?
 
Anywhere between 5000K and 10000K is fine for plants. I usually use around 6500K only because I like the look of it. You can also mix 2 different lights and see what looks best for you.
 
If you use the lower end of the spectrum you will get much better color from your plants. Any plants like rotala will get a real nice reddish pinkie orange under 6500k lights. You will notice that you might not like the way 6500k lights look. If you have been using the normal light fixture for your tank then your light probably had a bluish tint to it and 6500 have a reddish yellowie color.
 
GE's 55w straight pin 9325K PC bulb is excellent. It grows plants well and it makes the reddish colors really pop out. Mixing it with a 5000K to 10,000K bulb tones down the reddish colors some and many people like this look as well.

Here's 2 places that sell them for a little over $14 plus shipping:
http://lightbulbsdirect.com/Merchan...=PROD&Store_Code=001&Product_Code=F55BX-AR-FS
http://www.atlantalightbulbs.com/ecart/nw012104/55WAQUARIUMBULB.htm

Jay and Gomer over at APC took some pictures of this bulb by itself and mixed with others. Also, other K value bulbs are shown. It's in the Light Sticky section called "9325K The Difference."
 
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