new bulbs?? how to decide

[Coel]

I am wondering how to shop for new bulbs for my freshwater tank. Its a 2 bulb t5ho and the bulbs are about 8 months old and from what ive read im getting to about that time. any advice would be great. also my tank is semi planted with no co2 and just keeping basic plants for now but plan on a full overall into a higher tech tank this summer.


thanks. oh and its a 55g tank so 54w t5ho bulbs.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

For planted tanks, I'd go with the 6500k-6700k bulbs.

 

[aqua_chem]

Honestly, in my opinion, if you're not buying the best bulbs available (Giesemann or similar), than you're probably better off buying on of the cheaper ones available. Zoomeds can be got for ~$10/bulb, as can GE bulbs, though it sometimes take some legwork.

 

[Rivercats]

Personally I love the Geisemann 6000K Midday bulbs. The color in my plants are better and I feel the extra cost of the bulbs are worth it.