T5VHO Lighting Questions

[MrPhazeWun]

Well while starting my aquarium about a 7 months ago, I made a decision to get T5VHO, because at the moment I wanted a discus planted aquarium. After receiving the light fixture, I made a decision to go with an African Cichlid aquarium. No problem I thought, except I really can't leave the lights on a daily cycle (on around 6-8 hours a day), because it causes algae to grow. Now the bulbs are 6.5K rated bulbs, so I know they promote plant growth, and with no plants I'm sure this causes the algae growth. My question is: are any T5 bulbs that DON'T promote plant growth, but will be bright enough to look nice? If not I might have to go back to the original lighting or consider other fixture.

Thanks in advance

 

[phishfriend]

No need to change the fixture. All you have to do is change the bulbs to something more suited to you need that is less than 6500K. There are a lot of different options for you. Look for a good color enhancing bulb. You don't even have to pay pet store pricing. Both lowe's and home depot have a good selection to choose from.