Lighting (Kelvin) question

[CRfishlover]

I am about to embark on a 75G planted tank adventure and I am narrowing my lighting choice to
- 3 x 96W from AHSupply (3.84 W/G)
- 4 x 55W from AHSupply (2.96 W/G)
What do you suggest knowing that it might be either a Discus tank or community tank centered around Angels and/or Rainbows.

The other question is what Kelvin do you propose for these lights? My inclination was a combination of 5000 and 6700k, letting the 5000's come on an hour before and go off an hour after the brighter 6700's to simulate sunrise and sunset. Opinions and suggestions? I have heard that using the 5000k lamps may give me too much of a yellow light.

And finally, does anybody have any experience with adding a 1 or 2 x 13W combination with a blue light for night viewing, simulating moonlight?

Thanks.

 

[djlen]

Kelvins have little to do with brightness. They refer to color spectrum. If the tubes are the same wattage, they will be of the same brightness.
I do like the combination you are considering. IMO, 6700K is the best choice for planted tanks.

Len

 

[beviking]

Your W/G question should be partly dependant on what plants you want to grow and if you are injecting CO2 (I would assume you are with that much light).
I agree that the 5000K bulbs are too yellow, but the 6700s will balance them out. The lights color will look different with different color backgrounds, gravel, etc...(may look more/less yellow depending on the colors in the tank). I like the simulated sunrise/set. I do the same thing.
Sorry, no exp with moonlighting.

 

[CRfishlover]

bump

 

[jeffro426]

Putting 5000k lights will give you a usually unpleasant yellow cast...go with the 6700s...youll be much happier!!

 

[beviking]

Kind of like how everything turns yellowish at sunset...yuck! That's terrible!

 

[Philbe]

The latest edition of Aquarium magazine has a good article on lighting. Covers all the terms and what bulb is good for what.
HTH

 

[jeffro426]

Originally posted by beviking
Kind of like how everything turns yellowish at sunset...yuck! That's terrible!

Hmm...sunsets...fishtanks....sunsets...fish tanks. I think theres only a slight difference there?? I personally think yellowish lights look tacky and very unnatural(might as well just put incandecents in there)

 

[beviking]

Different but beautiful! Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder. I don't care for the yellow look either but some may.