confused about screw-in CF lighting

[JohnPaul]

Ok, looking to get maybe yet another tank and have read things before about people buying those relatively cheap incandenscent hoods, but instead of using incandenscent bulbs, using screw-in CF bulbs instead. "They cost $5 at Wal-Mart," etc.

Sounds great.

So just to learn more I go to the Wal-Mart website, do a search for screw-in CF bulbs, see all sorts of options...but also notice the color temperature on most of them is 2700k, a few seem to be available in 4100k or 5100k, but that's it.

I was under the impression bulbs needed to be at least 6k (or even 8k) before they were really beneficial for plant growth.

What am I missing here?

 

[rich311k]

In the pet section they sell a plant bulb. The 5100 would work as well.

 

[mr funktastic]

the genral k rating seems to be about 6500 for plants and they do sell a 6500K bulb at walmart in the pet section usually. if u cannot find it there try your LFS since i know coralife makes one aswell but it will be a bit pricy.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Look in Walmart again. They have one that's either 6500k or 6700k. They have U-shaped tubes on them and not the spiral tubes.

 

[JohnPaul]

ok all, I didn't know about the U-tube part. Will keep looking. thanks!

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Here's mine....

 

[jsoong]

You can also find Daylight CF bulbs at most hardware stores. I've seen one by Phillips, I am sure there are others. These are around 6700K & should be good for plants.

 

[JohnPaul]

thanks everyone, was able to find 6500k bulbs at the Home Depot down the street.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Cool.....