Zoo Med Ultra Sun

Nakinata

Nakinata

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Jan 11, 2011
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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
 
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.
 
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.
 
I'm currently using the white ones at Wal-Mart. Do you see any difference between those and the Zoo Meds?
 
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.
 
Thanks a lot for the help guys, very much appreciated!
 
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.
 
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.
 
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