mini twisers 26w walmart bulbs

[secretagent]

These are the screw in flouresents and I was wondering if i could grow like it was +2wpg for a 20g tank. I am wondering because of the color temp is 2650k? is This sufficent? THANKS
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Messyroadkil

[wellbiz]

2650K is pretty low. Will plants grow, yes some will... There are better bulbs out there and I dont recommend bulbs with such a low K value

[secretagent]

Will java fern and hornwort grow? Also does this mean I dont have 2+wpg? I really dont like how they say if you have 2+wpg things will grow but YES color temp does have something to do with it?

[wellbiz]

Originally Posted by Messyroadkil

Will java fern and hornwort grow? Also does this mean I dont have 2+wpg? I really dont like how they say if you have 2+wpg things will grow but YES color temp does have something to do with it?

Messy,

Java fern and hornwort will grow as would probably java moss and maybe some anubis speices.

Yes, you will have 2wpg, and yes the color temp can inprove things more, not only for the plants, but also for your viewing. See, the lower K rating bulbs tend to look very yellow in aquariums and don not do justice to the plants or the fish... Fish like neons and rams will be washed out looking....

[secretagent]

Also I was wondering If any sword species would grow well or at any in this lighting?

[wellbiz]

I am not a specialists on swords, but at 2wpg you should be able to find a few that will grow in your tank... Watch out most get biiiiiigggggg :shock:


good luck
Jason

[secretagent]

Thanks I was just vwondering because of the color temp!! so what is the color temp anyhoo? WHats the whole big thing on it? Is it only for looks or does it help the plants?

[compulsion]

the colour temp normaly denotes how it will look to your eyes, and not the effects it has on photosynthesis, but i personaly think if you have a super bright 2500k lighting system, its not gonna be no were near as good as an exact system at 6500k.

but anyways. k is how you will see it, i use 10000k bulbs because i love the white look and when iget my 6500k's it will still look white to 'me'. you should try to buy lights that are high in the blue and red wavelenght, this is normaly shown on the lights you buy from petshops. daylight bulbs for SAD are ok because they try to also mimic the sunlight.

i dont live in the US but i know that people on here have got 6500k bulbs from walmart.. is there any reason why you want to go for this k?

[secretagent]

Well Its cheaper to replace and I already have 2 new ones! Also I dont mind the oranger look!

[glass-gardens.com]

Originally Posted by Messyroadkil

Well Its cheaper to replace and I already have 2 new ones! Also I dont mind the oranger look!

Algae will love it. Algae can use light at 4000K and lower more efficiently than an aquatic plant can.

If you want to go cheap and good, try going to a Home Depot or menards and check out LOA or Regent CF floodlights.

LOA has a 6500K, 84 CRI that has a 500 watt equivalent output, Regent has a 27 watt, 6400K 84 CRI with a 200 watt equavalent output. I've used both, although my preference is the regent just because the design makes it easier to gut and retrofit.

[Google Eye]

I was using those same cpf bulbs with the low K value and after 4 weeks of little or no growth I went to Home Depot and found a 19w 6500k screw in from Lights of America. The difference in color was impressive and even though the old bulb was 26 watts this new one looks so much brighter and the colors are more true IMO. I did have to do some modification to my hood because the diameter of the bulb was about a 1/4" to big. If you want to change the K and don't mind a lose in watts Walmart has a 6500k 10 w bulb in the pet department. both of these bulbs are the same price at 7 and change. I think. Oh this bulb is on a 5 gallon bow front if you're wondering.


What is best in life?

To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to here the lamentations of their women.

[secretagent]

Well cool I went out and bought one to see If I like it more and I do!! Hopefully my plants will too! now I only have 2.2wpg but What the heck the color looks good!