Lighting a 125

[DrgRcr]

I'm setting up my 125 and I want to build a canopy to match my stand and include the lighting. I have looked at the 96w kits from AH Supply. This will be a Malawi tank, non planted. I've really looked at alot of HD and Lowes fixtures, but I'm not sure how much light I really need. Plus, 3' fixtures seem hard to come by. I did see 3' dual T5's at Lowes, for $29 each with 21w bulbs. Will 2 of these be enough(84w) for me or will I need 4. Plus will any T5 bulb work in these(re: higher k value) or am I stuck with the 3000k that come with it.Thank you.

 

[BoJangles]

Im not sure on how much light you would need for your 125 but if you get the 3' fixtures from lowes any T5 bulb will work so you arent stuck with the 3000k bulbs

 

[Riiz]

Wattage isnt an issue at all if your not trying to grow plants. You just need enough light to see the fish really. If you goto Home depot they sell T5 bulbs in 6700k pretty cheap too, but thats if you dont like the look of 3000k bulbs.

 

[Star_Rider]

if it's not planted then you can go for any spectrum you like.

some colors will enhance the fish.

 

[DrgRcr]

Thanks for the replies. I was just wondering because it seems I've read that 6700k was close to the suns actual daylight. So is it better, viewing and color enhancing wise, to have a higher or lower k number?

 

[FISHSHROD]

6700 is good , I like the look of 10,000 k better but right now I am using 6700 k

 

[Riiz]

Thanks for the replies. I was just wondering because it seems I've read that 6700k was close to the suns actual daylight. So is it better, viewing and color enhancing wise, to have a higher or lower k number?

Its really up to and the fish you have, every one has a different preference, but 6700k is the highest Kelvin rating you can get on the cheap at a home depot or lowes.