I just recently upgraded to a 90 gallon aquarium. I am not planning on doing CO2 or anything, but do have many plants in the new aquarium. I just got a 4X54W T5 setup and need advice. The light came with 2X10,000K and 2 actinics. I know I want to replace the actinics but am wondering what would go best with the 10,000K for plant growth? I am thinking either a 6,700K or some sort of plant grow bulb. Any opinions are appreciated.
Advice on T5 Bulbs
- Thread starter jamesbaltimore
- Start date
I really think with all that wattage you're going to have issues since you are not dosing Co2.
What plants do you or are you having in the tank? 216w is alot.
What plants do you or are you having in the tank? 216w is alot.
Well, my thought is to only use all 4 bulbs during a rmid-day peak. Honestly, I'm not sure of all the different plant types, but I know when I was choosing them all that they were all low to med light requirements. I thought I needed more light because the 90 gallon tank was so deep. If my thinking is off, let me know, but I was told that I needed more power to get to the bottom of a deep tank like that.
It is a standard 90. So I think it is 48x18x24. So it would be about 2.4 watts per gallon. I could see it being a problem if I was running all 4 for 12 hours but I am planning on just running all 4 for about 4 hours a day and running 2 for 4 hours before and after.
I agree with only running 2 bulbs for the majority of the day.
In terms of K ratings, nothing is going to be vastly superior when comparing 6700 and 10000K. Its more a difference in terms of looks as 10000K appears a bit whiter. I like mixing the two so pick up some 6700K (or close to that) IMO.
In terms of K ratings, nothing is going to be vastly superior when comparing 6700 and 10000K. Its more a difference in terms of looks as 10000K appears a bit whiter. I like mixing the two so pick up some 6700K (or close to that) IMO.
