[the4x4hoss]

I am looking into replacing my bulbs and have no clue as to what I should replace them with. I have read that planted tanks do best with something in the 6000k-7000k range but I am drawing a blank when it comes to the color, red, blue, purple, pink, etc.

The fixture houses (4) 80w T5HO bulbs and since they are 60" long it seems like the selection is limited. My best guess would be the Geiseman Aquaflora bulbs but I really have no idea what I need.

Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

 

[jcgd]

The kalvin rating (6700k) is the general colour temp of the bulb. Choose whatever looks best to you. Anything from 4000k-12000k are usually what are commonly selected. I like the cool, crisp look of a 10000k and a 6700k mix.

 

[BBradbury]

Bulb Recommendation

Good morning the4X4...

I use 6500 K, 32 watt, T8s in my planted tanks. The 6500 K has the light blue color recommended for planted tanks, because it comes closest to natural daylight at 5500 K.

Depending on plants you keep and the fixture, you can add bulbs if needed.

B

 

[livingword26]

Assuming your tank can handle all this light, here is what I would put in the fixture:

One of these:
http://www.aquacave.com/ati-aquablue-special-br12000k-t5-lamps-2776.html

Two of these:
http://www.aquacave.com/giesemann-powerchrome-br-midday-t5-lamps-833.html

And one of these:
http://www.aquacave.com/giesemann-powerchrome-br-aqua-flora-t5-lamps-2306.html


Unless this is a very deep tank, and you have pressurized CO2 and strict fertilizer regimine, this is probably to much light. What kind of light fixture do you have, and what are the measurements of your tank?

 

[the4x4hoss]

6'Lx2'Hx1.5'D, pressurized CO2, EI dosing, Fixture is an Odyssea 72" 320w T5HO on a 7 hour cycle.

 

[livingword26]

I guess the Odyssea's don't have the best reflectors, but thats still got to be high light. The Giesemann and ATI bulbs will be brighter than the stock ones. Be sure to keep up on your ferts and co2.

 

[the4x4hoss]

Yeah the reflector kinda sucks but what can you expect form a $150 4 bulb T5 setup?

 

[2in10]

Assuming your tank can handle all this light, here is what I would put in the fixture:

One of these:
http://www.aquacave.com/ati-aquablue-special-br12000k-t5-lamps-2776.html

Two of these:
http://www.aquacave.com/giesemann-powerchrome-br-midday-t5-lamps-833.html

And one of these:
http://www.aquacave.com/giesemann-powerchrome-br-aqua-flora-t5-lamps-2306.html


Unless this is a very deep tank, and you have pressurized CO2 and strict fertilizer regimine, this is probably to much light. What kind of light fixture do you have, and what are the measurements of your tank?

I think this is a good recommendation. I would get the GE 6500K bulb in place of the Geisemann Midday. It will save you around $8 per bulb.