T5HO Bulb Options

[RandallW201]

I posted this on another board and thought I should probably do right and register as a member here too. My first post is as follows...

Ok guys, I'm having trouble deciding which route to take on this. I've got a 36" T5HOx2 light unit that I'm trying to decide on bulbs for. If it was another one of my aquariums I'd get a Geisemann Midday and a Geisemann Aquaflora as I've had experience with them and they grow my aquatic plants well. I'm not fond of the idea of the Aquaflora though as it emits a pink/red hue which looks very unnatural. Even though I will be adding the Current Satellite LED+ Flexible Strip which might off set the colors if adjusted properly. (Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus Flexible Strip Light - 44")


The main plants will be a combination of ferns, mosses, ficus and bromeliads

Here are the bulbs I'm looking at; what combination of the two would you more vivarium experienced people recommend?:

ZooMed Flora Sun - 5,000K

ZooMed Ultra Sun - 6,500K (full spectrum light with UVA)

Geiseman Midday - 6,000K

Geisemann Aquaflora - (Who knows what Kelvin)

Coralife Daylight - 6,700K

Coralife Colormax - (I can only find the nanometer specs 350-750nm)

I'm leaning towards a Geissman Midday and a Coralife Daylight (sole reason being that the Kelvin ratings are 700K in difference thus giving a larger spectrum of light). I could go with a ZooMed Flora (5,000K) instead, but I think it might be too yellow...Again, I dunno so I'm asking ya'll...

Thanks!

[LisaGarcia]

I have been told, and have read, that to grow plants best you need 6500. I am sure someone with much more experience will chime in though.

[deranged chipmunk]

With the plants you intend to keep, the 2 bulbs you mention are fine. You're not growing anything that will flower on a regular basis, so you don't need anything towards the red end of the spectrum.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[RandallW201]

Cool, thanks guys!

[Mentat]

Hello and welcome to FF! You might also look at replacing T5HO with LED fixtures in the future. With high cost of HOT5 bulb replacement; LEDs in the proper 6500K temp make sense .