Which T12 Bulb Is Better For Plant Growth?

[thorn1414]

I currently have hydrocotyle japan and marimo balls growing in my 65gal. Would it be better to use a 3100k 1900lumen 40watt T12 bulb or a 6500k 2900lumen 40 watt bulb? & Why? They are both the GE brand bought from lowes

 

[SO19Firearms]

The 6500K is closer to the mark, but T12 is pretty poor over all. You'd probably need a couple.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Use the one which creates a look you like better. I doubt the plants will care that much. However, I tend to prefer high CRI bulbs as I prefer to see things looking as close to the way they they do in nature.
 
In a T12 I would suggest Coralife TriChromatic:
 

The coralife 100% trichromatic super daylight lamps are 6500 kelvin, 94 cri, full-spectrum lamps. They are made with special rare earth trichromatic phosphors which enhance the natural beauty of the aquarium. Ideal for use with all aquarium applications.

 
To date still one of the best bulbs I have seen, which is no longer made, was the Interpret Triton T8 Tri-phosphor.
 
High CRI bulbs make fish colors "pop".