What lightbulb should I get?

[woofwoofgrrl]

I have a 30 long FW with a 36" single flourescent fixture. The current bulb is a 36" Aqua Glo. I don't particularly like the quality/color (too eerily purple) of the the light so I'm looking to replace it. I want to put in some low-light plants so I'm looking for light bulb recommendations - preferably relatively inexpensive.

Thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[HN1]

As far as a bulb change with that fixture, your best choice will probably be the "Plant Glo" (same brand, different spectrum). It's not T5, but a lot of low light plants will grow under them.

 

[woofwoofgrrl]

I'll give it a shot, thanks! So I see T5 referenced frequently - what kind of light is T5?

 

[HN1]

It's basically a better type of flourescent, but requires a different fixture entirely.

T5 High Output Aquarium Lighting - Aquarium-Lighting-Guide.com

 

[mgamer20o0]

t5 is a measurement of bulb. as they get smaller they become more efficient like hn1 said. most takes come with a t8 or t12 fixture. i would look on the bulb for any markings. the best bet for plants and color is a daylight bulb 6500k.