[gonzo.njexit9]

HI ALL
As usual i have one of my questions?

50 GALLON-20 INCHES TALL
Trying to do a planted with no CO2-BUT WITH FISH
LOW LIGHT/TECH
I have single bulb strips
2-18" strips T8 bulbs 15w 8000k

I have seen them at HD AND LOWES 4100K AND 5600K

WHATS THE DIFFERENCE??????
SHOULD I CHANGE?????

Thank in advance for any help
GONZO

 

[astrosag]

The K stands for kelvin and is a measure of the color temperature of the bulb.

Ratings can vary from 2700K to 10,000K and perhaps outside of that too. Normally, 6,500K is advised as it mimics daylight.

All it really is determines is how your tank will look with the bulb. Before, people suggested ratings of 5000K- 6500K or up to 10,000K because it was best designed for plant growth. I think now it's understood that color temperature is a purely aesthetic element.

Nonetheless, closer to 6500K is most preferred I think on these forums for any single bulb. A lot people here use different bulbs with different color temps to draw out the color in their plants and fauna.

 

[gonzo.njexit9]

THANKS ASTROSAG
i did see on the chart they had at HD
8000k was more blue than the 5600k
would this make my tank brighter if i switched to 5600k?
5600k showed closer to the white