Which Light Bulbs are better?

[DavidZ]

Which bulbs are better for low light lightly planted FW tank:

1.
Ultra Sun Bulbs

From Zoo Med, 6500k high intensity full spectrum trichromatic bulb. Promotes photosynthesis in plants and marine algaes. Effective up to 10,000 hours.

OR

2.
Coralife 10,000K Bulbs

Capture the sun with these high-intensity purified super daylight lamps with rare earth color enhancing phosphors. Simulates tropical mid-day sun while casting blue-white daylight rays. Fish, coral, macroalgae, and plants will thrive. Full 360 output.

or do you guys recommend another type in a 36" T8

 

[luckydud13]

wattage? Between the two I like the 1st for fresh and the second for salt.

 

[DavidZ]

Also, what do you think of :
GE Aqua Rays Fresh/Saltwater Fluorescent Bulbs


*Multipurpose color-enhancing fluorescent bulbs for fresh and saltwater aquariums*Special fluorescent lighting enhances color of fish, plants, and decorations*Emits fluorescent light that supports plant growth and coral growth

Fluorescent bulbs specially designed for use in fresh and saltwater aquariums. Provides superior color enhancement of fish, plants, and decorations - make reds, blues, and greens vivid and vibrant. Supports the growth of freshwater plants needing high light levels and sustains coral and other marine invertebrate growth in saltwater aquariums. 9325° K bulb.

 

[DavidZ]

all 30w
I thought they are all FW bulbs?

 

[phanmc]

I'll quote Tom Barr from a recent thread:

1. Stop listening to light bulb makers.
2. Listen to Plant Scientist.
3. The question is" does a color temp make a difference with respect to growth, and do plant marketed bulbs produce more growth than say cool white FL's?
4. Answer time: no, they do not.
5. Conclusion, as all bulbs have no significant affect on plant growth, chose a bulb that has the nicest color tempo aesthetics for your eyes.

It's really this simple, unfortunately folks wander off of tangents, misinformation/marketing, misapplied data, topics that have little to do with plant growth.................which is the basis for the hobby.

I've read two such well done research studies that both showed that the plant bulbs and cool whites had the same rate of growth for several species.

What is measured is PAR under the bulbs, not color temp:idea:
I have 2 PAR meters and have measured things myself quite a bit over the years. I agree fully with the studies and with what I've seen in the practical world using Cool whites.

They may not look pretty, but they are fine when it comes to growing plants. I use color mixes, say 5000K and 8000K etc, or maybe 9275K GE etc for reds. This is not for growth, it's for my own sense of color perception.

Don't waste your time with the rest.

Regards,
Tom Barr

About the GE Aquarays 9325k bulb, it has a slight reddish tint to it which is great for red plants and fishes. If you don't have reds in your tank or want a more natural light then steer clear.

 

[DavidZ]

That is why I am asking, all input is great help,
so for more natural lighting what do you like?

 

[DavidZ]

someone just recomended:
Aqua-Glo Fluorescent Light Bulbs


*Ideal for all freshwater aquariums*18000°K color enhancing bulbs*Brings out blue, red, and orange pigments18000°K bulbs enhance blue, red, and orange pigments to bring out the full beauty of your aquarium inhabitants. Promotes healthy plant growth. Ideal for freshwater and planted aquariums.

what is the difference in 10,000K and 18,000K bulb

 

[phanmc]

Most people find 6500k to be most natural, bright with just a touch of yellow.

The 6700k I've used tended to look like the 6500k but with a higher spike in the green spectrum, making the green plants greener.

I find 10,000k is pure white with no hint of yellow or any other color.

I'm currently using the PowerGlo 18000k on one of my tanks, it also has a very slight purplish tint to it, again bringing out the reds and to a lesser extent blues.

 

[Riiz]

I like using the GE 9325k CF bulbs, they really make plants and fish look spectacular. But I do combo them with 6700ks. I dont know if the T8 versions look as good though.

 

[DavidZ]

Thanks guys, seems like I have to try it out and see