Kelvin Question...

[CBBP]

I am currently changing my lights over to hold bulbs.. I currently have 4 40 watt mini compact lights.. but yeah.. theya re yellow in color and I wante white yes because the higher they are on the K scale the better right?

would these be better? they sure do hold alot of watts to them. (70*4) / 55 = WPG

http/www.1000bulbs.com/product.php?product=7746

or

http/www.petsmart.com/global/product_det...&N=2030061&Ne=2

 

[CBBP]

bunmp

 

[simonbrown403]

Remember the higher the kelvin rating the closer it i to natural sunlight, and the faster the nutrient will be used up.

I went from 6500k to 11000k and the NO3 uptake went from 3ppm per 2 days with the 6500k to 10ppm per 2 days with 11000k.
So if you do go for the higher k rating you will need to watch the uptake rate more closely and adjust you routine accordingly.

Personally i think the 6500k are fine, as the 11000k make it murder to get a decent pic
The only reason I've stuck with my 11000k is because I'm a cheap skate and don't See the point in changing them when there is life in them (waste not want not).

 

[CBBP]

Remember the higher the kelvin rating the closer it i to natural sunlight, and the faster the nutrient will be used up.

I went from 6500k to 11000k and the NO3 uptake went from 3ppm per 2 days with the 6500k to 10ppm per 2 days with 11000k.
So if you do go for the higher k rating you will need to watch the uptake rate more closely and adjust you routine accordingly.

Personally i think the 6500k are fine, as the 11000k make it murder to get a decent pic
The only reason I've stuck with my 11000k is because I'm a cheap skate and don't See the point in changing them when there is life in them (waste not want not).

I have a problem.. I have little NitrAtes right now anyway.. I don;t know were it is going.. but my NitrAtes go up a bit then disappear.. even thoguh I have no plants...

and i can;t get good pictures anyway.

Also, whcih of those bulbs is best? the reular ones or the half blue have white?

 

[simonbrown403]

Also, whcih of those bulbs is best? the reular ones or the half blue have white?

I think i would go with the first one as its a lower Kalvin rating, as i said before you might have algae issues with 10000k bulb.

Make sure you use plenty fast growing stem plants, when you first set you tank up, you will need them to out complete the algae for the nutrients.

Are you using the EI method?

 

[CBBP]

I don’t know haha.. my filter just has filter media and that mechanical foam filtration in it. and it is odd because just two weeks ago I have no Ammonia and then a huge problem with NitrAtes and now ammonia remains a constant 0.25 PPM in the tank and NitrAtes have been dropping 10 PPM a day from 120+ PPM.

it has been nice and stable all week now.. Oh! this is a goldfish tank BTW. the Fancy kind...

anyway.. I ordered a goldfish Habitat plant kit and I actually do have plants in the tank... Several Moneywort grouped around a DIY co2 bell. they have not had a problem with algae yet and they are in direct sunlight.

and I jsut noticed the lights are 10,000 k from pet smart haha!

what if I got two of those petSMART 50/50 bulbs and kept two of my 3500k bulbs in the tank?


what is IE?

 

[Themuleous]

Haha I asked exactly the same question when I joined so dont feel embarresed, EI = estimative index, there is a pinned article on it in the planted section at the top. If really for planted tanks that have fish than fishtanks that have plants, but it's probably be worth a read as its got some good info in it

BTW if you tank has a constant NH3 reading of 0.25 it may be that you're filter isnt big enough for the fish stock you have in the tank.

 

[CBBP]

Haha I asked exactly the same question when I joined so dont feel embarresed, EI = estimative index, there is a pinned article on it in the planted section at the top. If really for planted tanks that have fish than fishtanks that have plants, but it's probably be worth a read as its got some good info in it

BTW if you tank has a constant NH3 reading of 0.25 it may be that you're filter isnt big enough for the fish stock you have in the tank.

.. nah.. it is just a new tank.. it is stabilizing I suppose.. goldfish are very dirty.. I mean jeez.. my filter is made for a tank 3 times the size. Rena XP3 on a 55 gallon.. the filter is only been running for 4 1/2 weeks so yeah.. I suppose it has not reached its potential yet.. I will give it another month and if not.. I will buy a second Rena XP3. 6 times filtration required. which would be 3 times needed goldfish filtration.

I will have to read that article.. thank you..
Oh.. I decided to just go ahead and order those 10k light’s. but only 2.. so 2 of the 4spaces will have 10k lights..

 

[Themuleous]

Sounds like you've got plenty of filtration then!

Glad to hear about the lights, let us know how you get on always good to hear different opinions on things

 

[CBBP]

Sounds like you've got plenty of filtration then!

Glad to hear about the lights, let us know how you get on always good to hear different opinions on things

yes.. I don;t think they will be a problem.. they look pretty neat and should to well in my new light set up.. I jsut posted pictures.. go check.

 

[George Farmer]

Plants are not fussy with regards colour temp providing there is enough intensity (basically watts). I have had success with 3000K up to a claimed 18000K. Choose what suits your taste and budget.

Growth rates remain fairly constant with any colour temp with the same power rating, CO2 and other nutrients have more influence on plant health in a high-growth, high light setup.

 

[CBBP]

Plants are not fussy with regards colour temp providing there is enough intensity (basically watts). I have had success with 3000K up to a claimed 18000K. Choose what suits your taste and budget.

Growth rates remain fairly constant with any colour temp with the same power rating, CO2 and other nutrients have more influence on plant health in a high-growth, high light setup.

why thank you gf.. I prefer the 50/50s now that I have two.. they make my fish look so much better.. i ordered two more