Lighting?

[The_Desacrator]

OK so I am setting up a 60 gal planted tank. I was wondering what what kind of bulbs I should get. Its mostly gonna be low light plants like anubias and amazon swords. I know it should be in the 6000-10000k range but I was unsure of like whats per gallon or anything like that. Thanks!

 

[mfdrookie516]

I would get one 6500k and one 10,000k 54w T5HO. That would put you below the threshold for Co2, but plenty of light for most low and medium light plants.

 

[The_Desacrator]

If I get two different bulbs won't it light the tank unevenly?

 

[mfdrookie516]

If you get two different wattages, yes. That's why I recommended two 54w T5HO bulbs.

 

[The_Desacrator]

Where can I find these? The only bulbs I have access to are bulbs that are 2800k,4200k,6700k, and 18000k. also the only wattage I can get is 15w I think

 

[mfdrookie516]

I've been very happy with my fixtures from here. You can't split up the bulb temps, so you would have to go with either 6500k or 10,000k, but you can replace them a year or so down the road with one of each.

 

[rich311k]

You will not be able to use the light fixture you have, you will need to replace it. I use a 6400, 10000 mix and I like the overall color.

 

[The_Desacrator]

I don't know which I should get or what one I need for my tank.

Ids this the right one?
http://www.fishneedit.com/t5ho-4ft--2lamp-aquarium-light.html

 

[rich311k]

That would do the job. You would want all white 6700k model.

 

[mfdrookie516]

Yep, that's it. As Rich said, make sure you get all white. Whether you get the 6700k (they're actually 6500k for some reason) or the 10,000k bulbs is up to you. I have 4 of their fixtures, 2 of them have the 6500k's, two have the 10,000k's. I like the color of the 10,000k's better, but I think I get a little better plant growth with the 6500k's.

 

[Hubert90]

Yep, that's it. As Rich said, make sure you get all white. Whether you get the 6700k (they're actually 6500k for some reason) or the 10,000k bulbs is up to you. I have 4 of their fixtures, 2 of them have the 6500k's, two have the 10,000k's. I like the color of the 10,000k's better, but I think I get a little better plant growth with the 6500k's.

Sorry If I'm crashing this thread. But is it true 10000k is more for red colored plants and 6500k for green?

 

[BillD]

My preference is for lights in the 5000k range. The plants like it, and IME do better than with 6500K. Personally, I wouldn't like anything higher than 6500K as it is already looking blue to me.
As far as red coloured plants, the intensity is more important than the colour, as I understand it.