Help Me Choose A Light

[shrimply]

I have got one light in my cichlid tank which is for planted aquariums and I am looking to fit another one. But I want one that will help show up more colours. I thought about marine white but for a reason I can't remember my LFS didn't think it was a good idea. He said I would be better off with a blue tube to show off the blues and yellows but fitting this would actualy make my tank look duller. Just looking for some suggestions or opinions on which is best.

 

[shrimply]

opinions anyone?

 

[Dubby]

opinions anyone?

I would recommend a tri-phosphor, tube with high lumens/watt and high CRI (> 95).

 

[shrimply]

Thanks, but not really the info I am looking for. Just need to know the right colour of tube. I already have a plant one so it shows greens. Just need to know the best choice for a second tube that will bring out the best of my fish.

 

[phlawed]

Thanks, but not really the info I am looking for. Just need to know the right colour of tube. I already have a plant one so it shows greens. Just need to know the best choice for a second tube that will bring out the best of my fish.

Dont know if this will help or not, but think its around the same thing. I am getting 2x65w light hood. Once i get it in and some plants growing im going to add a 15 LED moonlight which will give me the bluish color in the water. Also hood lights with 2-4 lights, you can put some plant growing bulbs in with blue, giving you both. Just be sure not to sacrifice wpg or your plants might stop growing. Hope this helps.

On a side not, the moonlight runs around $15-30 US which is about half the price of a blue bulb itself at our LFS.

 

[Dubby]

Thanks, but not really the info I am looking for. Just need to know the right colour of tube. I already have a plant one so it shows greens. Just need to know the best choice for a second tube that will bring out the best of my fish.

Any tube with a K rating of around 6000 will give good daylight like spectrum. And as I mentioned before if the CRI is high then you get a more realistic colour rendition.

People have individual tastes in the colour, so feel free to try warmer or bluer tones. I personally prefer the warm daylight tubes as they give off a yellowish light which highlights the green of my plants.

Since the plant tubes give off a purplish light they help show off the silvery colours on my fish and the warmer tones brings out the reds and greens.

I hope this is more useful.