T5- Which bulbs to choose?

[steg22]

i have the all pond solutions t5 twin light unit, is it better to go for 2x growth bulbs, 2x 10,000k white or a mixture?

thanks

 

[mohican]

I'm gonna say that up to your viewing pleasure and your plants. Most of us look for bulbs in the 5k-10k range, with 6500k being optimal. Depending on your plants, you may need more or less in the spectrum. I do a mix and my tank seems to be healthy, but my tank has no plants that require special lighting needs.

 

[steg22]

what about a 14k bulb?

 

[severum mama]

Moved to General Hardware/Equipment Discussion.

14K is used fairly frequently in SW tanks and will look more blue than the 10Ks. However, it's totally dependent on brand, like a 14K bulb from Brand A may look quite a bit different than a 14K from Brand B, and so on.

 

[steg22]

thanks! but what about on a tropical tank? is 14k a bit excessive? whats best for bringing out the colours in my rams, while not effecting the plant growth?

 

[severum mama]

I usually choose 10Ks (these are supposed to look "white") but some people prefer 6500Ks because they think the 10Ks look too blue. It's really just a matter of personal preference so whatever you like in that general range should work fine.

 

[steg22]

So 10ks are just as good for plants and colour of fish?