what kelvin for metal halides is the best?

[AussieDIYFK]

hey fishkeepers im new here and just seeking some advice on what kelvin temp is best suited for plants?. i just got my new bulbs 8000k and put them in and they seem a little to blue for my liking will they grow plants just as good as the 6500k ones, i only got these becouse ada seem to use that spectrum. i still have a middle light thats got 2x24w powercompacts to go in there so ive i go a bet redder will that balance the blue out a bit, open for any suggestions guys

[Jason Baliban]

Plants will grow in almost anything. I have used 5500 all the way up to 10k. The general consensus is to use what looks the most pleasing to your eyes.

jB

[Kathyy]

The fishneedit 150 watt 8000Ks I am using now look far better to me than the 6500K 175 watt mogul bases I was using. I don't know the CRI of the FNI but the 6500K had quite a low 75 CRI rating. Likely that is the reason I didn't care for the appearance of the tank. Either is fine for plants, it is just your preference. The K rating is not real precise either, manufacturers just choose a number so a 8000K bulb from one company may look quite different from a 8000K rated bulb from another.

[AussieDIYFK]

ok great thanx for the replys, i think as my tank is getting clearer the blue is going away more and more each day. my unit is a dupla electra combi2 and i am going to hang it about 15 inch above the water to spread it out over my 240cm long tank.

[Kathyy]

My fixtures started about 16" off the top of the tank but I adjusted them up when I finally leveled them so maybe 17-18" off the top of the tank now. AND the tank is covered with old scratched up cloudy acrylic sheets. Go higher!

[AussieDIYFK]

thanx guys for the feedback, i think i am going to go higher like 18 as you mentioned kathy,
the par ratings for 150 are great and im only growing lowlight plants :-)

[Steve001]

Originally Posted by AussieDIYFK

hey fishkeepers im new here and just seeking some advice on what kelvin temp is best suited for plants?. i just got my new bulbs 8000k and put them in and they seem a little to blue for my liking will they grow plants just as good as the 6500k ones, i only got these becouse ada seem to use that spectrum. i still have a middle light thats got 2x24w powercompacts to go in there so ive i go a bet redder will that balance the blue out a bit, open for any suggestions guys

Likely the only difference between an 8000K and the 6500k would be the 8000k has a larger single spike in the blue or outputs more blue light overall. Use Google Images to see if your current bulb has a spectral distribution image
Here's a 5500k bulb that looks like it would have a very good CRI along with very good distribution of light for photosynthesis.

http://growershouse.com/everything-y...hortilux-bulbs