Kelvin question

[Allyb]

I'm only able to get 4100 or 4200 kelvin t8 bulbs locally. I know this
isn't optimal, byt how much will it affect my planted tank? Is it really
worth it to shell out for the aquarium bulbs? -Allison-

[Greg G.]

Allyb said:

>I'm only able to get 4100 or 4200 kelvin t8 bulbs locally. I know this
>isn't optimal, byt how much will it affect my planted tank? Is it really
>worth it to shell out for the aquarium bulbs? -Allison-

You can get Sylvania or Phillips T-8/850 bulbs at almost ALL
commercial light distributors for about $3.75 each.
T8/750 bulbs are available, and are slightly cheaper, but have a more
limited spectrum. These are both 5000k tri-phosphor bulbs.

Avoid the T8/950 bulbs, however. they have an increased CRI, but are
PAR limited.

I don't know what part of the country you are in, so check in the
Yellow Pages.

OTOH, the T8/741 bulbs will work, but are a little shy in the blue
spectrum. I've used them, but wasn't really happy. Colors look
yellow and washed out, and the plants seem to grow better under the
T8/850 bulbs. You could try mixing the T8/741 bulbs with T8/765 6500k
daylight bulbs for a better spectrum. Most home centers carry the
daylight bulbs.

Look here for some dated, but useful, information.

http://www.aquabotanic.com/lightcompare.htm



Greg G.

[Allyb]

Thanks so much, that's exactly the info I needed!!

<Greg G.> wrote in message
...
> Allyb said:
>
> >I'm only able to get 4100 or 4200 kelvin t8 bulbs locally. I know this
> >isn't optimal, byt how much will it affect my planted tank? Is it really
> >worth it to shell out for the aquarium bulbs? -Allison-
>
> You can get Sylvania or Phillips T-8/850 bulbs at almost ALL
> commercial light distributors for about $3.75 each.
> T8/750 bulbs are available, and are slightly cheaper, but have a more
> limited spectrum. These are both 5000k tri-phosphor bulbs.
>
> Avoid the T8/950 bulbs, however. they have an increased CRI, but are
> PAR limited.
>
> I don't know what part of the country you are in, so check in the
> Yellow Pages.
>
> OTOH, the T8/741 bulbs will work, but are a little shy in the blue
> spectrum. I've used them, but wasn't really happy. Colors look
> yellow and washed out, and the plants seem to grow better under the
> T8/850 bulbs. You could try mixing the T8/741 bulbs with T8/765 6500k
> daylight bulbs for a better spectrum. Most home centers carry the
> daylight bulbs.
>
> Look here for some dated, but useful, information.
>
> http://www.aquabotanic.com/lightcompare.htm
>
>
>
> Greg G.