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#1
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Kelvin question
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- |
#2
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Kelvin question
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. |
#3
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Kelvin question
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. |
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