T5 12000k ok?

**An2timun** · 4th Nov 2009, 16:32

Hi..I bought 2 sets of Aqua zonic light set of 2 x 80w, I saw written on all 4 bulbs 12000k...Is this ok for my planted tank?..I feel it's too bright though...should I change some bulbs to a different Ks or color?...any advice appreciated..thks

**blue33** · 4th Nov 2009, 17:27

12k good for marine. Change to 6500k and 8000k each.

**Blue Whale** · 5th Nov 2009, 16:46

Most HDB dwellers are using FL or T5. PL not so popular nowadays. Consider your room temperature also. If your room (living or bed) is not very well ventilated, you might want to consider a chiller too. My opinion is 6500K might already be sufficient if the tank itself is not very big. 4 tube can be quite hot in fact if you look at it.

**dannyfish** · 5th Nov 2009, 20:57

Originally Posted by Blue Whale

Most HDB dwellers are using FL or T5. PL not so popular nowadays. Consider your room temperature also. If your room (living or bed) is not very well ventilated, you might want to consider a chiller too. My opinion is 6500K might already be sufficient if the tank itself is not very big. 4 tube can be quite hot in fact if you look at it.

may i check PL or FL better for plant use?
PL is it hotter than FL?

**An2timun** · 6th Nov 2009, 09:32

Originally Posted by blue33

12k good for marine. Change to 6500k and 8000k each.

what will the effects be to the plants if I stick to the 12k bulbs?

I see my green plants look great but the reds ones are not "showing" its colors..

Thks...

**Shadow** · 6th Nov 2009, 09:53

not showing the color maybe because your 12000K lack of red spectrum or it can be because your red plant does not grow red anymore because of various reason

**blue33** · 6th Nov 2009, 12:08

Originally Posted by An2timun

what will the effects be to the plants if I stick to the 12k bulbs?

I see my green plants look great but the reds ones are not "showing" its colors..

Thks...

Plant will still grow but it'll not be as nice and it'll not look vibrant. 12k is more towards blue, like marine effect. Your red plant may suffer from that, most likely it'll become green to suit the change.

Healthy plant look light green and refreshing.

**An2timun** · 6th Nov 2009, 16:04

Can we get T5HO 65k 80w of philips or osram or whatever brands locally?...anyone here using it?..

**blue33** · 6th Nov 2009, 19:11

Call NA(Nature Aquarium), Chan should have.

**An2timun** · 7th Nov 2009, 09:38

Thks bro...

**blue33** · 7th Nov 2009, 11:55

One thing you need to take note is the intensity of the light. If you notice most of various size tank has the same depth but the light intensity get higher as tank size get bigger but the depth has never increased alot.

Example, glosso grow shorter in big tank than in small tank, that is because the light intensity is higher.

If you are going for planted tank, the prefer tank height is 45-50cm. Especially stem plant dont look nice higher than that.

**An2timun** · 7th Nov 2009, 12:46

Pardon me for my ignorant, the intensity you would mean the watt?..My tank is 5 ft..the highest "watt" for T5HO 5ft is 80w, I cannot go any higher unless I use MH..Thanks

**blue33** · 7th Nov 2009, 13:24

Yes, you're right, for that you may consider more tubes, remove the acrylic cover does increase the intensity casting down, those acrylic usually reduce quite alot of light passing down, for planted tank it is ok to remove the acrylic cover as there's not much splash cause by the fish, also removing the acrylic cover helps to dissipate heat away with the help of the fan.