Which CF bulbs for FW plants?

[TomStav]

So today I setup a 40 G Long tank (48") that has been sitting in my garage for months.

I decided to set it up as a new home for my Angelfish and need to buy myself some new 65 watt compact flouresent bulbs for my Coralife fixture.

I have no idea about freshwater plants but intend to learn and would like to know what bulbs would best suit this tank.

I have found some CFs on eBay that are really cheap, and thats great for me on my college student budget!

Here is the link to the bulbs I have found...

65 Watt Power Compact Straight Pin SPECIALTY BULBS | eBay

They offer a selection of combinations, I am leaning towards the "Plant Grow" and 10,000k combo.

Is this the best choice from what they offer? My tank is very shallow (16" guessing) and I intend to get some low-medium light plants within a few months once it has cycled and my wallet has recovered!

Any help would be great!

Tom

 

[mfdrookie516]

I would get the 6700k/10,000k over the plant grow combo.. the plant grow bulbs are typically pink, which look hiddeous IMO.

 

[rich311k]

I am with rookie, that is my preferred color range as well.

 

[BillD]

My preference would be for 2 5000K or 1 5000K and one 6500K. You will likely get better colour rendering than with a 10,000K. Bulbs the info on this page may help illustrate that, and offer some info you find pertinent to your situation. Regardless, you will have a lot of light, perhaps too much to do without CO2.

 

[HalfMoon B]

I like those DIY kits...might have to do that myself!

 

[TomStav]

Thanks for all the replies! I am going to get 1 5200k and 1 6700k. And no doubt I will end up getting co2.