Newt

Here is an example of how two bulbs of the same kelvin rating can have different spectral outputs: Philips C50 and C75 compared to GE Chroma 50 and Chroma 75 (these are for linear fluorescent bulbs).

 

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BryceM

I'd agree that actinics (and almost any other bulb) can produce light energy in wavelengths useable by freshwater plants. Enough of just about any kind of light seems to be able to overpower an imperfect kelvin rating. In practical usage, most people have found that lighting in the 5,000-10,000K provides for effective photosynthesis while having a nice appearance. Most people prefer the 6,500-9,325K range. Actinic light is quite blue and apart from being less than optimal for photosynthesis, most people don't like how plants look under it.

jeff63851

I prefer to use two10000K bulbs along with two 6500K bulbs.

I also agree that actinic bulbs don't help your freshwater growth. That's probably why I had a huge algae growth last year.

Jimbo205

Careful, Tom might hear you.

Who wants to be the first to quote what Tom says about algae?

Justikanz

Anything less than 10000K and I feel it is too yellowish!... I am too used to the whiteness of 10000K!...

But I would prefer a 50:50 mixture of 10000K and 6500-8000K tubes... The colours will be more balanced...

mousky

At the moment I use a mixture of 6500k and 12000k.

I know 12000k is too high for planted tanks (and produces an awful purple colour), but its an experiment. I am going on the teory that the lower the kelvin the taller and lankier the plants grow. So a kelvin of 12000 should? produce compact dense growth.

I have that light over various stem plants. Its too early to tell for sure, but the leaf nodes do look like they are growing closer together.

Is it true that the best spectrum for photosynthesis and plant all round colouring is 8000k? Amano uses and sells this spectrum for planted tanks, and he claims they are the best. Does anyone have any experience with his tubes? Are they really as good as is claimed?

Cheers

Drewbad

I just ordered a retrofit kit for mt 29h freshwater at the link below. I couldn't beat the $29 price!https://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewI...3&fromsource=4
This is a marine reef system setup, but it should give me significant growth over my single, 15w "daylight" white tube, dont you think?

Model # : CLSMR2455, Size: 23"x3"x2.2", Number of Bulbs: 1 - 65W
SmartLite Fixtures come with the worlds first true 10,000K Premium Daylight and Ultra Actinic lamps side by side. The Premium Daylight tube duplicates the natural full spectrum lighting requirements of fish and invertebrates while the Ultra Actinic tube peaks at 460 nanometers, providing necessary energy for activation of phoptosynthesis in chloropyll A and C.
built in electronic ballast, ventilated for cool operation, polished reflector, all lamps included

flagg

I picked other. I use sunlight and "cool white"

-ricardo

ZooTycoonMaster

I use T-5 6700K and Colormax. Idk if that goes under "A mix of different spectrums from multiple lamps" or "other - please elaborate"...

 

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