Bets Light Bulb
- Thread starter MFM
- Start date
"10,000K" means the light output is 10,000 degrees Kelvin. Its the color temperature of the light. 10,000K is a very good lamp, but many people prefer the 18,000K Power-Glos. I like 10,000K for some tanks, but it really depends on the colors in the fish & how many other lamps I can put in the fixture. Do a search & you will find plenty on this topic.
I prefer the 18,000K Hagen Powerglo bulbs for the best all around standard flourescent bulbs.
I find 6700 K bulbs way too yellow
I find 8000K bulbs too pink
I find 10,000K bulbs too white
but I find 18,000K Hagen Powerglo bulbs (white with a hint of blue) just right for making most fish look good. they are also great with plants, contrary to popular belief.
I find 6700 K bulbs way too yellow
I find 8000K bulbs too pink
I find 10,000K bulbs too white
but I find 18,000K Hagen Powerglo bulbs (white with a hint of blue) just right for making most fish look good. they are also great with plants, contrary to popular belief.
how deep is this tank going to be?
one draw back with standard flourescents is they aren't that great for light penentration on a deep tank.
for 18-24" your probably fine.
but if your tank is taller than 24" (say 27" or 30") you might need something stronger.
like T5 lighting or compact flourescents..
now, the java fern is a fairly easy, low light plant.
but the amazon sword needs some decent light to grow well.
one draw back with standard flourescents is they aren't that great for light penentration on a deep tank.
for 18-24" your probably fine.
but if your tank is taller than 24" (say 27" or 30") you might need something stronger.
like T5 lighting or compact flourescents..
now, the java fern is a fairly easy, low light plant.
but the amazon sword needs some decent light to grow well.
As some others already mentioned...I find the T5 Power-Glo (18K) the best overall bulb to bring out the colors of fish/plants and to have plants thrive.
for reference, here is a shot of my 150g with twin 36" double standard flourescents (hagen powerglo T-8's) NOT T5's..
I have heard that standard hagen powerglos are not available in all areas (only the smaller T5's versions) but I have been using the standard ones for years now.
I have heard that standard hagen powerglos are not available in all areas (only the smaller T5's versions) but I have been using the standard ones for years now.
now, you will notice that the standard powerglos are white with a hint of blue.
now, the T5 version I have seen have been a bit more pink, even though their kelvin rating is the same as the larger T8 versions (18,000K)
not sure why this is....
now, the T5 version I have seen have been a bit more pink, even though their kelvin rating is the same as the larger T8 versions (18,000K)
not sure why this is....