GZ_Loach Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 I currently have a twin 150w metal halide fitting with one 10k lamp and one i believe to be between 7-9k I have twisted val, java moss, sagg and java fern in the tank, I was wondering if i could throw in some lamps that are between 12-14k - would that still be fine for plants? I quite like the blue tint the water gets 8) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 It sure will! In fact it will be fantastic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the-obstacle Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 You might find that it takes a few days/weeks for the plants to respond to the change and they might slow down ever so slightly while they settle in but I don't think it'd be noticeable to the naked eye. It's a bit like moving the lights closer or further away - it's a change so will take some getting used to. I think it'll be great for the plants ultimately. I'm going to go 10000k even up to 20000k as a test the next time I order bulbs. My 10000k t5s out perform my 6500k halides at the moment. Different tank though... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 I wouldn't go any higher than 14000K - 15000K for a freshwater planted tank. I was surprised to see the results with 14000K but anything higher will be pushing it. You'd typically need those spectra for frags. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GZ_Loach Posted June 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2011 How much should a 150w MH lamp cost? and is there any difference between the aquarium brands and those that i can get from an electrical distributor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the-obstacle Posted June 24, 2011 Report Share Posted June 24, 2011 How much should a 150w MH lamp cost? and is there any difference between the aquarium brands and those that i can get from an electrical distributor? Locally they're really seriously expensive. From international sites they're about $20-$30. The one time I tried to get local ones at 6000k or higher they were $180+ as the standard is warm white which isn't much help for growing plants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GZ_Loach Posted June 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2011 I asked a dealer on trademe and they were selling them for $70 each no way im going to spend that much on a single lamp :facepalm: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the-obstacle Posted June 24, 2011 Report Share Posted June 24, 2011 I asked a dealer on trademe and they were selling them for $70 each no way im going to spend that much on a single lamp :facepalm: I actually paid $50 a piece for mine when I got them because I needed them on the day and given that I was quoted close to $200 each I figured it was a fair enough price. I've since learnt some patience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antwan Posted June 24, 2011 Report Share Posted June 24, 2011 http://www.fish-street.com/products.php?category_id=107¤cy_code=NZD $15 a pop, cheap as. They are very helpful too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GZ_Loach Posted June 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2011 Im going to give 20k a shot :slfg: Checked out a few photos of the bulbs im getting and they don't appear to be very blue like some other brands Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted June 26, 2011 Report Share Posted June 26, 2011 For africans it'll be good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GZ_Loach Posted June 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2011 I have the 20k's in now and they don't appear to be as blue/purple as they are on saltwater tanks, in fact they just look white with a light blue fade to them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted June 30, 2011 Report Share Posted June 30, 2011 I have the 20k's in now and they don't appear to be as blue/purple as they are on saltwater tanks, in fact they just look white with a light blue fade to them Probably because the marine tanks also have actinics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwiplymouth Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 My $15 15000K tubes have just arrived from fishstreet. I much prefer the colour over my 10000k tubes Far less yellow, more white/blue Now to see how the plants react Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the-obstacle Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 My $15 15000K tubes have just arrived from fishstreet. I much prefer the colour over my 10000k tubes Far less yellow, more white/blue Now to see how the plants react Sweet! I think I'll put my order in now... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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