Caliban07
Aquarium Advice Addict
I think it is only a flourescent tube and you will live and learn. and grow algae
TPT people are rolling over in their graves.
5500-8,000 k freshwater and 10,000-22,000k marine.
Say you want links since no one finds them...
This from DFS who we usually laugh at for being under informed.....
The Right K Rating for Your Aquarium
The following guidelines can help you select lighting with a K rating that best duplicates your inhabitants' natural conditions:
- Fish Only Aquarium - Choose a bulb with a spectrum based on your personal preference. A lamp with a low K rating emits redder light and exhibits more vivid colors than a lamp with a higher K rating (emitting bluer light). Normal-output fluorescent bulbs are quite popular.
- Freshwater Planted Aquarium - Fluorescent and compact fluorescent bulbs are frequently used to provide the full spectrum range of light (5500°K to 7500°K), most plants require. As a general rule, provide between 2 and 5 watts per gallon.
- Saltwater Reef Aquarium - Many corals and invertebrates have naturally adapted to bluer light. Therefore, most reef lighting systems include bulbs with a high Kelvin rating. 10000°K to 20000°K are frequently used.
I can pull real links on lighting,but they are already here in one of my post?
- As I mentioned almost worth laughing at as they still do watts per gallon.
- But IMO you are going to grow algae,BBA and maybe even every ones fav, cyanno*..!
- I use [still unfortunately] many marine lights on FW tanks so I am not guessing on this....
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Lighting.html
* I know cyanno is a bacteria...A PS bacteria that loves light.....
I've had cyano bacteria, BBA, staghorn, GSA, GDA using daylight fluorescents. Hypothesis can be so easily falsified [emoji4]
A professional aquascaper on UKAPS stated that he used over 50 different types of bulbs/ratings and he couldn't honestly say he noticed any difference in the years he spent aquascaping.
https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/what-kelvin-is-the-t5-arcadia-plant-pro.11047/
https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/actinic-lighting-vs-algae-growth.7801/
https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/spectrum-doesnt-matter-does-it.26717/page-2
The majority of the time people just use the bulbs they have been told to use because they read articles like the one you have provided. Gees there are sooo many of them.
In my opinion lighting is not something to get caught up in. I think some people enjoy the confusion because it makes the hobby more interesting, perhaps even a sense of purpose (not aimed at anyone in particular).
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