Marine Glow for plants?

[Squawkbert]

I bought a 46 bowfront (used). What came in the hood are 2x15W Marine Glow T-8 tubes. They're basically blue (actinic). Can plants use that light or do I need to get some ~6700K before I can plant even low light species?

I suspect I'll be asking for a AH-Supply retrofit (1x 96 W or at least a 55 W PC) kit at some point (birthday or next xmas), but I should probably at least try what I've got first (spousal approval issues if I don't).

Also - anyone using pea-gravel as a substrate w/ any success? I'm guessing that it won't kick the pH up like playground sand tends to...

 

[djlen]

You're not going to get enough light out of those tubes to know whether they're OK for plants. Just too low light.
I would look more at a 1 X 96 watt/CF from AH or better a 2X55. That would give you the ability to grow a nice variety of plants without breaking the bank or your back with the work involved with a higher light tank.
I've been using a 2 X 65 watt set over my 40 gal. and am very happy with the variety I can grow under it.
I think you will get similar response from others, at least on the wattage you are currently stuck with so show that to the spouse and save yourself some wasted time.

If you haven't already bought the substrate I would ask you to consider a better grade substrate such as Flourite or Eco-Complete. Though you can use pea gravel or a mix of sand and something else, these are much better mediums for a planted tank than what you're considering.