Do all light bulbs work the same? Can I use Wal Mart bulbs?

[jcardona1]

Dont the more exspensive bulbs make the colors of cichlids and other fish stand out better?

it all depends on the spectrum of the bulb. has nothing to do with "aquarium" bulb or whatever. with that said, not all household bulbs come in a color spectrum that make fish look nice. For example, one of the most popular bulbs is the Hagen Powerglo thats rated at 18,000 kelvin. this gives off a nice bluish-purple color that makes almost any fish look good. you would not want a bulb like this to light up your kitchen, so.....

 

[jcardona1]

and also, you need to have an idea of the kelvin color spectrum chart. if you dont, take a look at this. most bulbs sold at hardware/etc stores are low in the spectrum. i dont think youll find one of these over 6500k which is considered to be simliar to sunlight at high noon.

fish will look better in the 10,000k+ range. and reef guys run up to like 20-30,000k i believe. the higher the rating, the more blue-purple color, but also, the lower the light output (lumens). the lower the rating, the more yellow the color and the higher the lumens.

i personally hate anything below 10,000k, the color is way too yellow

 

[rallysman]

on the other hand, I can't stand anything over 6700k. I think it looks too fake (and it makes accurate color representation in pictures a pain!)

 

[jcardona1]

another good reference point. this is for automotive HID bulbs. keep in mind the color will be a little different than a fluorescent bulb, but it gives you a good idea

 

[packer43064]

I use walmart bulbs on all tanks, the lights are for our benefit and I don't care what kind of bulb it is as long as I can see the fish.

 

[jcardona1]

on the other hand, I can't stand anything over 6700k. I think it looks too fake (and it makes accurate color representation in pictures a pain!)

yeah...this is why there is no right or wrong bulb, unless your running a reef or planted tank. other than that, its just a matter of PERSONAL PREFERENCE!!

 

[rallysman]

yeah...this is why there is no right or wrong bulb, unless your running a reef or planted tank. other than that, its just a matter of PERSONAL PREFERENCE!!

!!!

 

[JakeH]

I should clarify... I'm talking about the aquarium flourescent tubes they sell in the fish section of walmart, not the household ones from the hardware section. Which are you referring to?

I stare at 18,000k power-glos all day in the tank on my desk & the walmart aquarium tubes at home in the brackish tank don't look yellow to me. Its not as bright, but I bet its close to 10,000k. I'm pretty sure they were made by Phillips... Anyway, still going after 3 years of evening-only use.

jcardona: That headlight chart is a great reference! I used to be a concert lighting engineer & I wish I could have had that as a reference during shows. Accurate & easy to read.

 

[LiquidJoe]

Not to thread jack but you shouldn't use to brite of a bulb with cichlids and other fish that it could become irratating to them rigt?

 

[Ali1]

sticky?