[discoveringmypath]

Hello all,

I have a few questions about lighting. Currently, I have 2 34W 6500K spiral CFL bulbs on my 10G tank. they are working fine, but I'm wondering what is the best as far as spectrum goes.

Are the 10,000K bulbs better for growing?

Also, what does full spectrum mean? Does it cover a wide range?

My bulbs were advertised as "daylight" bulbs. There is also "soft light"; are these titles based off the color spectrum or does this have some other meaning?

I'm fairly new to this and when I first started a few weeks ago lighting was the first thing that I researched. I think I may have over looked it, so I am back to lighting trying to up my knowledge.

Thanks for any comments in advance! This forum has been a great help so far.

 

[acitydweller]

Daylight bulbs basically simulate what we get from the sun. it encompasses most of the color spectrums needed. 10k bulbs are very heavy in the blue spectrum and do not have any red which our plants need so visually these bulbs may benefit our viewing only.

i'd steer clear of soft white as these bulbs tend to be very yellow. when in doubt, stick with the 6500k bulbs. all my tanks started with 26watt 6500k spiral cfl bulbs as i was on a budget and wanted to try my hand at keeping actual live plants where plastics were always my go to. i havent looked back since!

 

[Sake]

Wow 2, 34 watt cfl on a 10 gallon? Do you run co2? I would watch out for algae, that is a lot of par, with 2, 23 watt cfl I had algae bad in my 10g, even with DIY co2.

 

[digitaldajo]

IMO: 6500k 6 hours per day. Check out Dustinsfishtanks on youtube. His vieeos teach everything you need to know and more!

140 gallon planted
55 gallon planted
20 gallon planted
5 gallon planted

 

[discoveringmypath]

Wow 2, 34 watt cfl on a 10 gallon? Do you run co2? I would watch out for algae, that is a lot of par, with 2, 23 watt cfl I had algae bad in my 10g, even with DIY co2.

I actually miss-typed that, it is 2 23W bulbs; lol. When I first started I would leave them on for 12 hours, but then changed it to 6 to 8 hours and it has been good. I did DIY co2 first, but just got a paintball co2 setup. I also just started with EI today, so I'm anxious to see how it all goes now.


Thanks for the comments. So 10000 doesn't necessary help with growing? they are just used because they look better for us?

What about full spectrum?

 

[micheljq]

Hi,

Many people have success growing plants with 10000K bulbs too or a mix of 10000 and 6500K.