Bulbs

[seantheprawn]

hi all i just got my al-40d double light today.

it has 2 bulbs in it

the first is a 40w ATMAN 10000k 'super light' which gives off a bright white glow
and the second is a 40w ATMAN 15000k 'tripower light' which gives off like a pinkish glow.

what i thought was, arent these kelvin ratings to high to grow plants? dont they have to be like around 6000k? should i change them?
i was atleast thinking of changing the 15000k one, as i would prefer a more natural white glow as to the pinkish 1 that gives out.
so would it be better if i changed atleast 1 if not both of them?

oh an also can anyone tell me if there good bulbs? has anyone had them before?

cheers

 

[oldwhitewood]

They sound like marine type bulbs to me, maybe something around 6500k would be better for freshwater of 8000k if you can get it. Not too sure if you can use 10000k and upwards with success though someone will know for sure on here.

 

[seantheprawn]

o ok.

i heard that also u can just get like common 'daylight' fluroescent bulbs from a hardware store, and there the correct (6500k) kelvin and alot cheaper and everything.

is this true?

 

[wesleydnunder]

Just be sure and match the type of lamp you're replacing. T-8 for t-8, t-12 for t-12, etc. I concur with replacing both lamps. I run all 6700K on my planted tanks.

Mark

 

[oldwhitewood]

o ok.

i heard that also u can just get like common 'daylight' fluroescent bulbs from a hardware store, and there the correct (6500k) kelvin and alot cheaper and everything.

is this true?

It is indeed, daylight bulbs are becoming more common as they're thought to combat winter depression etc.

 

[seantheprawn]

erm ok, as 4 the t8 n t12 thing i dont have a clue what t my bulbs are.


just seems such a waste that i have to replace 2 brand new bulbs, r u sure there not right for plants? they seem like good bulbs. its kool that common hardware store bulbs are ok though

 

[seantheprawn]

what if iwas to replace my 15000k bulb, coz i dont like its pink light, with like a 5000k or 6500k daylight bulb, but keep my 10000k, that would average out around 7500k, does it work like that?

is that ok for plants?

cheers

 

[seantheprawn]

ok well i kept my 10000k n went n got a 5000k n replaced the 15000k with that, so now ive got a 10000k n 5000k, would that make it 7500k all up?

is that better for plants?

some feedback would be much appreciated

cheers

 

[jpedersen024]

I don't think you can average them out like that. Either the plants can use that wavelength or they can't. Pairing it with a lower K doesn't change the useability of the higher one.... make sense?

For what it's worth, my new light came with a 10000K and an actinic. I think it's a waste too, but I'm shopping for 2 6700Ks right now because my 'low light' plants are doing really crappy! With just the 10000K (whose light I do like too..) giving anything remotely useful, I get 1 wpg, and since that's not even in an optimal plant wavelength, I'm not able to grow even the low-light easy stuff well.... like java ferns, swords and cabomba. Everything else is great (food, substrate,), so I am frustrated. And quickly shopping. I've found a great place on ebay. Hope he ships quickly.

 

[MoreCoffee]

Hi,

I have a similar question to this one, but dont want to hijack somebody elses thread.

I've posted this question in the 'Hardware' forum -> My Question.

It's regarding T5 tubes. If anybody can help I'd appreciate it as I'd like to get some replacement
tubes today if possilbe.

Thanks


Mr G

 

[seantheprawn]

o ok well thats a dam shame, so the 5000k n 10000k will still be pretty much innafective at growing plants, and i thoughtthe kelvin rating wasnt that important.


do u think i will have any hope keeping plants with a 5000k n a 10000k bulb? my wpg is about 1.8

 

[jpedersen024]

o ok well thats a dam shame, so the 5000k n 10000k will still be pretty much innafective at growing plants, and i thoughtthe kelvin rating wasnt that important.


do u think i will have any hope keeping plants with a 5000k n a 10000k bulb? my wpg is about 1.8

Depends how long you want to keep them for...


Just don't spend too much on your first plants, and test run them to see how they do. Low lighters might be fine.

 

[seantheprawn]

yeh im going to test with a bunch of vallis first up, with added rott tabs and liquid ferts, and see how hey go for a few weeks.

 

[jpedersen024]

Good luck! Might be doable, although personally I've not had much luck keeping Vallis, let alone growing it well... I've heard others say the same.

My swords, however, have done ok, as well as my water sprites. Also testing out java fern and a few others right now...