What light to get???

[Matt724]

My parents bought me a new light fixture for xmas and though I love it and wanted to tear it open right when I got it, I know that they're not the ones to go looking around the internet for the best deals. The light is 96watts in total, and with my other light that'll bring me to about 3.5watts per gallon; which is more than enough for me. BUT something in me wanted more, which is means I went on ebay and tried to find the best deals to replace the light I got (my dad said he was fine with that). So I found these: both cheaper in cost than the one that my dad bought, with about 60 more watts packed in them with some other fun features like LEDs, cooling fans, and etcetera... But I need to choose between the two that I found: exactly the same, except for the bulbs. I know the difference between the bulbs and that 6700Ks are better for planted tanks, but they're not as bright. I gave up planted tanks, but now with this extra lighting, some plants may be making a scene in my tank again, but nothing hi-tech. No fertilizers, etc. But thinking about the future, there may be another planted tank in the distant future, and I don't want to have to regret this decision.

http://cgi.ebay.com/36-T5-HO-Aquari...ultDomain_0?hash=item45f00a6f5a#ht_1746wt_802

and

http://cgi.ebay.com/36-T5-HO-Aquari...ultDomain_0?hash=item439bfd27a9#ht_1746wt_802

I'm making the decision at 9pm pacific time tonight so yeah all feedback appreciated.

 

[poly-nomial]

PLANTED TANKS ROCK!!!

 

[bob965]

The actinic + 12,000K lights are more of a saltwater thing. Unless there is a specific reason you want lights with more of a bluish cast to them, go with the 6,700K fixture. The Kelvin rating refers to the wavelength of light it emits, it doesn't mean it's less bright. Also, keep in mind when you buy those from ebay, the reason they say the lamps are "free", is so they don't have to replace them if they arrive broken.

 

[RedDwarf]

Just so you know, those lights you are looking at are made by Odyssea and I would recommend that you make sure that the lights come with a cooling fan. The listing is a bit misleading where it says it comes with cooling fans and then only shows cooling vents. T5 do get quite warm so it would be great if they came with them. As to your light bulb choice, it all depends on what color you want. If you plan on keeping medium and low light plants then you won't have a problem. Don't let the Odyssea name scare you away, as long as they are actively cooled you won't have a problem with the fixture.