Best Light Spectrum for Planted Aquarium

ktz216

ktz216

AC Members
Dec 3, 2008
42
0
6
Ohio
Hello. I got a few questions regarding lighting for a planted tank. What would be the best light spectrum that promote plant growth? I have a light fixture and a empty 55 gallon tank laying around. I was thinking of making it into a planted tank :dance: . The light fixture already have 50/50 bulbs in it. Can I use those bulbs for a planted tank? or should I buy new bulbs? Thanks.

~Ken
 
6500k is what I use on my tanks.. but anything up to 10,000k is fine

DO NOT use actinic bulbs of any kind... you will have an out of control algae problem before you know it
 
7itanium said:
DO NOT use actinic bulbs of any kind... you will have an out of control algae problem before you know it
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Not true, I've used actinic bulbs in a 50/50 combination with regular bulbs for over 2 months with no algae issues. The growth rate was slightly less with the actinics but not nearly as bad as cutting the light in half by leaving them out.

I haven't tried growing plants with a full actinic setup but I don't want a tank that blue either.

As for what spectrum works the best, there's hardly any difference between a 4000k bulb and an 18000k bulb. Most people prefer the color of a 6500k or 10000k, but if you like something else don't be afraid to use it.
 
in freshwater with lights on from 7A.M. to 10P.M. you will have algae issues.
 
rocker92 said:
in freshwater with lights on from 7A.M. to 10P.M. you will have algae issues.
Click to expand...

The algae issue won't be due to the type of bulb, it would be due to leaving the light on for too long and improper nutrient levels. My 50/50 setup is a freshwater planted tank.
 
The actinic-algae connection has never really been based on any fact. I believe it mostly stems from the thought that plants cannot use actinic lighting thus you're limiting the potential growth of your plants. This unbalance can lead to algae problems.

However, Kelvin rating hardly matters to plants. It usually based on what our eyes find pleasing. I prefer and 6700/10000K mix myself.
 
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well.. again I have heard mixed opinions about the actinic thing

but I also used actinic bulbs for a while, and had a horrible outbreak of algae--- I then switched to 6500k bulbs.. and the algae went away

I have talked to other people who experienced the same dilemma-- so that is what I am basing my opinion on
 
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