Best spectrum for unplanted tank?

[ewurm]

I like the look of 10K lighting for my tanks, but I am wondering if any particular spectrum promotes algae growth. I know 6700K is good for plants, but am wondering if that spectrum promotes algae, or any other spectrum.

 

[Jkoziatek]

i think 10k is alright... do not go actinic as that deff promotes algae growth

 

[Danyal]

it does not, algae has the same chlorophyll as plants and needs light primarily in the red and blue spectrum(which actinics have almost pure blue but very little red so doesn't support photosynthetic critters very well) the best spectrum for any tank is what looks best to you.

 

[amehel0]

18000k looks good i believe the better lighting is fer plants the better it is for most algaes so i think i would go 18000k t5's

 

[lilfats2]

I think pick what you like and get some Flying foxes or oci cats...

 

[Scottfree]

I believe daylight is 6500k, but I personally prefer lower lit tanks. I have no scientific proof but I think it's better for fish to be in lower light, in the wild they get very little direct sunlight, and would usually be in murky algal filled waters which would shade the light.... 2 cents

 

[WyldFya]

I believe daylight is 6500k, but I personally prefer lower lit tanks. I have no scientific proof but I think it's better for fish to be in lower light, in the wild they get very little direct sunlight, and would usually be in murky algal filled waters which would shade the light.... 2 cents

Depends on the fish, and where they are from. Water from the amazon is quite clear in areas, and gets high sunlight, and in other parts, it can be very murky, with low levels of sun.