color temperature of lights

**lance** · 25th Oct 2002, 08:50

Hi folks,

I know that 6500k is the ideal color temperature for planted tank lights, 10000k meant for marine tanks, not good for planted tanks as they make algae grow faster

just a question. how about those purplish lights used by arowana tanks or LH tanks? what are their color temperatures and are they suitable for use in planted tanks?

asking coz i find the purplish lights more flattering for my tanks. I prefer my lights to be purplish and yet i need them to be strong enough for my 2-feet planted tank (2x36W)

any suggestions? thanks in advance

**lance** · 25th Oct 2002, 08:50

Hi folks,

I know that 6500k is the ideal color temperature for planted tank lights, 10000k meant for marine tanks, not good for planted tanks as they make algae grow faster

just a question. how about those purplish lights used by arowana tanks or LH tanks? what are their color temperatures and are they suitable for use in planted tanks?

asking coz i find the purplish lights more flattering for my tanks. I prefer my lights to be purplish and yet i need them to be strong enough for my 2-feet planted tank (2x36W)

any suggestions? thanks in advance

**lance** · 25th Oct 2002, 08:50

Hi folks,

I know that 6500k is the ideal color temperature for planted tank lights, 10000k meant for marine tanks, not good for planted tanks as they make algae grow faster

just a question. how about those purplish lights used by arowana tanks or LH tanks? what are their color temperatures and are they suitable for use in planted tanks?

asking coz i find the purplish lights more flattering for my tanks. I prefer my lights to be purplish and yet i need them to be strong enough for my 2-feet planted tank (2x36W)

any suggestions? thanks in advance

**lance** · 25th Oct 2002, 08:50

Hi folks,

I know that 6500k is the ideal color temperature for planted tank lights, 10000k meant for marine tanks, not good for planted tanks as they make algae grow faster

just a question. how about those purplish lights used by arowana tanks or LH tanks? what are their color temperatures and are they suitable for use in planted tanks?

asking coz i find the purplish lights more flattering for my tanks. I prefer my lights to be purplish and yet i need them to be strong enough for my 2-feet planted tank (2x36W)

any suggestions? thanks in advance

**sherchoo** · 25th Oct 2002, 09:25

I think purplish is in the higher region of colour temp. Not very suitable for planted tank. If you really want to use, you can mix with other daylight tubes as some people have.... **pointing at Simon**. But for 2ft, I'm not recomend as your mixing would prolly be 50%-50%. Algae would be your best friend.

IMO, daylight would be more natural compared to purplish lighting.

**Simon** · 25th Oct 2002, 09:42

watch who u pointing uncle!! ya, my 6footer has 6x30w(8500) &amp; 2x30w(10000)..

**vinz** · 25th Oct 2002, 09:58

I think the purplish/pinkish lights used for LH, Aro and fish only tanks are in the lower Ks, i.e. towards red. Some special lights sold for plants are high in reds and appear pinkish, but I think the generic one may not be suitable for planted tanks.

Red light does not penetrate well through water and thus your plants may not get enough. Also the reason light in deep sea is bluish.

One of the reasons behind special plant lights having lots of red is that algae do not do well with it. But if you check the CRI, they other colours are probably higher then what you'll find in the generic low K light.

If your like the pinkish light for your tank, try the special plant lights with high reds. Be prepared to fork $ more too, and I've only seen them in FLs.

**lance** · 25th Oct 2002, 13:50

thanks guys,

it's what i thought, the purplish reddish light is close to the lower K-value, probably 3500k?

if that's not so conducive for algae, all the more better.

About red plants, i'm planning to re-scape my tank (thanks to algae infesting), and i thought of using mostly red plants too.

So far, i hear the reddish lotus is a cheap and easy plants. any other good choices?

heard they are generally more expensive and hardy to grow.

**lance** · 25th Oct 2002, 13:52

Hi Vinz,

what are the special plants lights with reds? where can i buy them?

I can't go around asking &quot;you got special plant lights with red or not&quot;? they will give me a blur look *wink*

What's FLS btw?

**vinz** · 25th Oct 2002, 14:30

Special plant lights... you go to the light tube section of any well-stocked LFS and browse for plant lights. They usually will have the K and CRI printed on the box. I haven't looked for these lights for a long time already, so I can't list brands nor model. One does come to mind... Coralife. They have a few diff ones for FW tank... you'll have to read the boxes.

FL = flourescent tube, same from as our usual ceiling lights.

**bclee** · 25th Oct 2002, 14:37

Dennerle Trocal Plant is one of them. I am using one. It is very orangy. The temperature is probably around 3000K range.

I am using a mix of the Dennerle Trocal Plant 15W FL and 6500K 36W PL for my 2ft.

BC

**bclee** · 25th Oct 2002, 14:47

Here are some of the sites I have visited.

Arcadia Original Tropical Lamp
Arcadia Freshwater Lamp
Dennerle Trocal Light Series

These lights are quite expensive. Personally, I prefer good quality PL or FL lights.

BC