My dad the Physics Professor...

[Fish_Mike]

Well we went out shopping today to find some better lighting for our struggling Vallis. Americana. In the end, we bought a fixture, but didn't get any specific bulbs to go with it. Now, if i'm right, Oceanic Lighting systems, 48", come with 8000k light bulbs. My dad knew this is too much for live plants, however he explained to me that since the light will be shining through glass and be in somewhat dark water (blackwater), the spectrum would be decreased enough for plants. IS this true? I mean, if he didn't teach Physics at University, i'd think he's crazy, but he does, and it looks like he knows what he's talking about

 

[George Farmer]

Sounds logical to me. 8000K should be fine anyway providing you have a good balance of light, CO2 and plant bio-mass. ADA T8 tubes (Aqua Design Amano) are 8000K.

Don't worry too much about colour temp. Read this http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=96483

My lighting and algae articles also cover this subject in detail.