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I am getting into plants again. I currently only have a couple of crypts, but hope to add java moss and j. fern.

I only have a 15w 8000K bulb over my 20g. I do have a couple of CF bulbs that I could use to add to the lighting that I have. The only issue is that I could not find ANY CF bulbs that were in the 6000 - 10000K range; these bulbs are about 4000K. So my question is if I have the cobo of the 4000K and the 8000K, would that 'average out' to be 6000K? and also, what does the 4000K light have in it that wouldn't work well with plants?

Thanks!


~Morgan~

Hi,
The K rating won't average out. You'll have only the 8000K bulb emitting light in the spectrum range of 4001~8000K.

-Mughal

Thanks mughal for the quick reply.

Can you tell me what is 'wrong' with having a 4000K light and why you don't use if for plants?


~Morgan~

I think i can answer that. Plants need a full spectrum (like the sun) light to grow at its best. They will like the range of 6500-8500 kelvin and will grow to its fullest. The lower "K" will be a more red or yellowish color, which is what we humans are used to, i think. The 10,000 K and up will make it a bluish tint color. The plants will also use that. Basically, plants want a balance of light, which one end of the specturm wont fully provide. Thats why its best ot give them full spectrum, 6700 light.

Now it wont average out, but it will be a fine combo for them, because the 8000 is higher and the 4000 is lower so the plants will get a close-to-full spectrum lighting.

My advice-Use it, cause it will let you have so much more of a variety than others. Planting is so fun, especially when ypu get enough. Good luck!

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Thanks GobyFan, I'm glad my method will work and I don't have to buy another (more expensive) light fixture (even though a 10g fixture standing up on the side of the tank is a little, erm, ugly)

I hope to soon start up a log for my 20g.


EDIT: I just figured out a way that I can have both fixtures on the top of the tank. I just removed the little 'door' that you open to feed the fish and placed the 20g fixture over the open water and the 10g fixture where the 20g fixture is suppost to go.

Do you think it is okay for the 20g fixture to be directly over open water until I can get a plexi cover for that part?


~Morgan~

i have a dual light setup as well. i broke the hood about 9 months ago. i have one light over open water and havent had a problem.(on the manufacture website it say not to do this! do at your own risk!)i also have a 36" coralife dual tube setup. the original light is dim and needs to be changed. but the coralife is brand new and has one 6700k bulb and one full spectrum bulb

*click *flash *click "whered he go???"

Thanks for the reassurance Soda!

Actually, I have found the left over plexi for when I made a lid for my 10g and it was a perfect fit!

I am just having the best of luck today!
Now let's just hope the plants grow...

Thanks for all your help!


~Morgan~

no prob. i dont think the moisture from evaporation is really a problem i think its splashes that would be a problem. im gonna go to 2- 10,000k bulbs and one 6700k bulb

*click *flash *click "whered he go???"