Cfl spectrums?

[Atxpunx]

What kind of spiral cfl is the closest to a plant spectrum? I think they have daylight and soft. I know how to read and look for the Kelvin rating but the cfls they sell and big chain store don't have all that info. Any experienced knowledge would be great.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

You want the ones that say daylight. 5000-6700K

 

[CatmanDru]

I bought bulbs today with 6500K , but I also saw a "plant and aquarium" bulb at 9000K. would 9000K work better to produce growth?

 

[Mumma.of.two]

I have heard the 6500K is optimum but don't quote me on that.

 

[CatmanDru]

That's also what i read. But seeing the "plant and aquarium" light at 9000K got me thinking if 9000K would be better, even if the light looked purple-ish.

 

[Atxpunx]

Spiral compact fluorescent don't all have temp rating at walmart or home depot. Is there a way to tell the Kelvin rating whiteout info on the box? I think the color tells something doesn't it?

 

[aqua_chem]

Usually the tank "daylight" bulbs will be fine. Imo, the difference between 9000K and 6700K will be negligible. Get a color thats aestheticly pleasing to you in that range?

 

[abrahamavelar]

I have heard the 6500K is optimum but don't quote me on that.

i was told by a guy at a planted tank club that the best is 6500k but ppl like different things

 

[aqua_chem]

The temperature rating that describes bulbs is essentially nothing more than a description of the color that they eye sees. The complete spectrum is more important with regards to plants, but any 5500K-10000K bulb will be fine. I saw one set of data the other day that had a 10000K bulb putting off more PAR than a 6700K bulb.

 

[abrahamavelar]

hmmmm interesting, which one is the one that gives the pink coloration