bpimm

I chose other, I tend to choose bulbs based on their CRI rating. it has to have output in all the visual frequencies to have a high number, should grow plants well and look good. Natural sunlight is 100, I try to stay above 90.

Newt

bpimm,

Good theory but you still need to check the spectral output even with bulbs that have a high CRI.

This Verilux bulb has a CRI of 98 and except for a modest peak in the blue region and a blip in the green is flat thru most of the spectrum and almost void of red:



This Philips PL-L/950 has a CRI of 91 yet has peaks in the blue, green and red regions. A much better choice than the 98 Verilux:



This Philips Aquarelle CRI of 89 (a tad short of your 90) is even more efficient than the Philips bulb above:


I am curious as to what bulbs you use.

bpimm

I probably should have elaborated a little more, I do look at both CRI and spectral graph, but the #1 thing for me is how does the tank look, I don't care if the bulb has a CRI of 100 and the perfect graph and Kelvin rating and grows plants better than anything else, If I don't like the way it looks I don't use it. I have a 96 CRI bulb on the shelf that looks really flat and dull so I have to think that the rating system is a little lacking. if a bulb has no red output how can it score so high?

I buy several from naturallighting.com they have some really nice looking full spectrum lights but the last batch I got isn't as good, I think the phosphor mix has changed.

Several of my tanks are now using Phillips Natural Sunshine, 5000K CRI 92, I haven't been able to find a spectral chart for them but they look good on the tank and they are cheap and available in some sizes,
48" T-8, 18" t-8, 24" t-12 plus they overdrive very well, the colors seem to get better when overdriven.

Newt

Sounds good.

I use one of the Natural Sunshine bulbs on my son's tank. Looks good.

Email Philips thru their website contact & support section. They are really good about responding with spectral graph info.

www.lighting.philips.com

good luck

Newt

Jimbo205

Re-reading this thread (very good by the way), I realize why I spend forever in the lighting isle at Home Depot.

I think I have purchased almost (almost) every CFL or Bulb that they offer.

For those that care, I have a friend that said that when he used bluish metal halide bulbs at his auto shop - the guys would argue all the time. He changed to more pinkish and it stopped. Amazing.

My son and I are doing an experiment on CFL's in our living room. We are avoiding the bluish CFL's and waiting to see if Mom is in a better mood.

Who would ever figure.

This hobby is part science, but mostly part art. In the eye of the beholder.

El Exorcisto helped me select which bulb to go towards the front of my 75 gallon tank and the cooler one to go in the back. Has made a wonderful difference.

andreic

I am using 6000k HQI

Pinto

I got 4 t5HO 10000k. I should have got 2 6500!

c4cache

don't know off the top of my head but i run two 72"vho and a 96w pc and diy moon light with three high output blue led lights

Cory Keeper

Luxeon Rebel LED spectrum, with a slight tint of tannins .

aquatic_clay

Over my 29 I use 2 24watt HOt5 life glo 6700k and 1 24 watt HOt5 power glo 16000k. IMO it's not the kelvin rating that matters, it's the spectrum of light that you're putting into the tank. I've seen several 5000-8000k that only peak in the green spectrum which isn't as usefull for photosynthesis. The reason I use the bulbs that I have is because they peak in the blue and red spectrums with a small peak in the green spectrum which is good for viewing the tank.

Clay