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HI,

Need some opinions...

I have a 21 gallon tank with a 2x65 watt coralife pc lamp. THe bulbs are 6700k but i only keep one on cause 130 watts is way too much and i start having algae problems with that much light. Currently, i only turn on both with i take pics.

Anyways, 6700k is way too yellowish for me. I've been scanning forums and have targeted 8800k and 9325 bulbs.

8800K
pro:it's what amanos uses! and supposedly has great colour
con:i'd have to change my endcaps to fit the square pin configuration, also in a forum, someone said that it washes out the fish's colour.

9325
Pro: lot's of positive reviews, cheap, able to plug into my current lamp no problem
con: I've also heard people say it's too pink for their taste, and although i could do combination lighting 6700k/9325 (which i heard is good), that would be 130 watts which is too much for my 21 gallon.

suggestions? Is the 8800K that much better to warrant the extra $$ and changing endcaps.


thanks

 

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hey,
What do u guys think of this?
http://www.bigalsonline.ca/catalog/product.xml?product_id=30041;category_id=1845;pcid1=1843;pcid2=

It's a coralife bulb that's 50% 6700k, 50% colormax (whatever that means)... it says it enhances colours, anyone hear anything about this?

 

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ACtually guys, that's the canadian site, so it's in Canadan dollars... but still expensive.

 

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God, I'm so confused now

I want a light that is very neutral, and brings out the colours of my plant and fish, while being good for my plants.

I've pieced together that the GE bulb has a pink tint to it.... i don't think i want that.... For instance, on a smaller tank i have a power-glo on it, and i don't like power-glo's tint at all.. i want something natural. My 6700k are too yellowish.

If i get the 8800K, i'd get it from here: http://www.championlighting.com/e/e...ing.html?link=/Products/Lighting/pclamps.html
(HelloLights doesn't ship to canada)
I think people have said this one is good. Only problem is that i'd have to replace my end caps, which makes me hesitate cause more $$ (water resistant end caps are expensive) and i'm not thrilled at the idea of modifying my coralife.

the 10000k if it looks good sounds tempting cause it would be a lot simpler to install..... so would a 10000k bulb alone look good?

 

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This only problem for me is that champion's lights are labeled at 23 inches, i think i can only fit 22 inches in my coralife, so i emailed them for confirmation about the size, my fingers are crossed.

wow, this topic has been discussed to death throughout forums haven't they? Lighting is such a subjective subject that it's hard to pin down what kind of lights i want... after spending hours reading about this stuff, here's my impression:

8800k: my number one choice, generally people seem to be very happy about this light. Only problem for me is that the places that carry them don't ship to canada, or might have bulbs that are too big. Another problem is that the only come in square pin configuration, although that problem can be overcome by switching endcaps.

10000k: blueish white, some people recomend this light as a sole source while others have complained about it's blarishness. It can be used successfully, however, in combinations with other lights. My major concern is reports that it washes out reds in plants and fishes. And from pics i've seen across the net, i'm thinking those reports might have some truth in them.

9325k: Many people proclaim great love for this light for bringing out colours in plants and fish, other's have commented negatively about it's unnatural pinkish tint. There's also been reports about both good plant growth when using this light, but also about algae growth. From what I have digested, this light works best in combination with other lights, 6700k's for example. Unfortunately, i can't have 2 bulbs on since that would put me at +6wpg.. too much light.

6700k: Yellowish tint, but good for plant growth..

sunpaq dual daylight 6700k/10000k: Interesting, the descriptions that have been given is that it's colour is somewhat like the 8800k. Problem is that although the website states they make a 65watt straight pin, the online stores i found only sell them in square pin.

coralife colormax/6700k: A new bulb that's just come out to market, i'm thinking that it might have a similar effect to combining a 9235k and a 6700k. Of course this is all speculation.

 

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Well for better or for worse i've ordered the 8800k, i just hope i don't botch the rewiring job i'll have to do to my aqualight.. it's a bit of a gamble but i've spent so much money on my aquarium already that i didn't want to compromise on the lighting.

I gave a summary on the lighting more as a help guide so hopefully others won't have to spend hours looking through forums like i did. hope it helps.