Zoo Med Ultra Sun

[Nakinata]

Has anyone ever used thess Zoo Med compact fluorescent light bulbs? I bought a generic compact bulb for aquariums from WalMart but it doesn't quite give off the color I want and I was wondering if these would work a little better. The price is what's throwing me off right now so if anyone has any experience with these, it would be much appreciated.

http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Daylight-Compact-Fluorescent/dp/B003QZF7JA

 

[TL1000RSquid]

I've used the zoo med 50/50 CFL's on nano saltwater setup with good success I would think the freshwater ones should be good to go. The price is good they usually go for $10 in local stores.

 

[excuzzzeme]

I have used them on 10 gallon FW tanks with great success.

 

[Rjb3]

The Zoo Med bulbs are great. I use them, but I also use the generic CFL bulbs. There are two kinds. When you shop at Wal-Mart or Home Depot for the generic ones, get the bright white ones. The other ones are more yellow when used in aquariums.

 

[Nakinata]

I'm currently using the white ones at Wal-Mart. Do you see any difference between those and the Zoo Meds?

 

[Rjb3]

No difference.

 

[TL1000RSquid]

I think generic super white bulbs run around 5000-55000k, the zoo med's 6500k, probably not really noticeable, plants might notice the difference though maybe.

 

[Nakinata]

Thanks a lot for the help guys, very much appreciated!

 

[dbosman]

Generic bulbs/tubes/lamps can be a bargain. The K rating is almost always on the lamp. Usually it's shortened, such as 35, 41, 350, or 410 which are 3500K and 4100K respectively. A plant lamp should be 50 - 67 or 500 - 670 which would represent 5000K to 6700K.

Generic white lamps are usually 3500K and warm white is usually 4100K. For what that's worth.

 

[platytudes]

What don't you like about the generic Walmart light, too cold or too yellow? Are you hoping for something with a little rosier tint?

This light from Walmart is 6,500k and sold in the aquatic section:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lights-of-America-10-Watt-Mini-Fluorescent-Aquarium-Bulb-1-ct/10448675

It claims to have the same K rating as the Zoo Med one you linked to, just about the same price but you wouldn't have to pay the shipping.

I have a hard time finding screw in bulbs I really like in the generic section, most of the daylight ones are 5,000k which looks a little yellow. I almost like the GE Aqua Rays bulb (a fluorescent, though) except the pink/purple color enhancing phosphors has that fake edge to it.