So after much research I decided to go with a T8 light setup for my 10 gallon tanks. If my tanks were bigger/longer I would have opted for a T5 bulb since the shortest ones they have are 22 or 24 inches.
So I bought some cheap under mount cabinet light fixtures for $11 each and taped two of them together. I was told that this total of 30" configuration would give me medium light which I am happy with.
So I was hoping that you all could let me know if my bulbs were acceptable. I purchased GE 18" 15 watt bulbs with a 6500K rating at 700 lumens. I bought these at Lowe's. When I arrived I immediately saw bulbs in my size for "Plants and Aquarium" but there was no Kelvin rating. I was curious I called the 800 number and talked to a rep and he told me they were 3100. I told him, "That is too low and not the right lighting for aquatic plants." I then asked him about the GE bulb with the 6500K and he said they would not work with my ballast. I asked him how that was related and he start rattling off some information that went over my head. But I bought some anyway and tried them out and they are working with my fixtures. So just curious what you all thought. Was the rep just being a whiny yahoo and did I do well for myself or what? :icon_lol: By the way the bulbs were under $7 at a reduced price.
Last week I purchased some "aquarium and plant" bulbs by Slyvania and and now I am seeing that they are not nearly as bright and that awful pinkish color was nauseating. Glad to get rid of those. I only had them for a week. I hope to return those tomorrow.
So I bought some cheap under mount cabinet light fixtures for $11 each and taped two of them together. I was told that this total of 30" configuration would give me medium light which I am happy with.
So I was hoping that you all could let me know if my bulbs were acceptable. I purchased GE 18" 15 watt bulbs with a 6500K rating at 700 lumens. I bought these at Lowe's. When I arrived I immediately saw bulbs in my size for "Plants and Aquarium" but there was no Kelvin rating. I was curious I called the 800 number and talked to a rep and he told me they were 3100. I told him, "That is too low and not the right lighting for aquatic plants." I then asked him about the GE bulb with the 6500K and he said they would not work with my ballast. I asked him how that was related and he start rattling off some information that went over my head. But I bought some anyway and tried them out and they are working with my fixtures. So just curious what you all thought. Was the rep just being a whiny yahoo and did I do well for myself or what? :icon_lol: By the way the bulbs were under $7 at a reduced price.
Last week I purchased some "aquarium and plant" bulbs by Slyvania and and now I am seeing that they are not nearly as bright and that awful pinkish color was nauseating. Glad to get rid of those. I only had them for a week. I hope to return those tomorrow.