Joe Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 Hey everyone, I'm unsure of what coloured bulb to pick formy Amazon Blackwater biotope - 6,700K or 10,000K? Which one looks better? Which one is best for plant growth (there's going to be a big swordplant in the tank)? I'm going to get my bulb here - http://www.fish-street.com/rs7_type Thanks, Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueether Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 I would think the warmer colour (lower K) would look better than a quite blue 10,000 K. But then again shaddows have a cooler colour than daylight, about 7,000 - 7,500 K to daylights 6,000 - 6,500 K if I unforget correctly. It will be intresting what others think... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antwan Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 My tank is quite tanniny at the moment and I reckon a 6,700K bulb (got mine from fish-street too) looks a lot nicer over it than a 10,000K. The 10,000K looks too white, whereas the 6,700K (because it's a yellower bulb) gives more of the blackwater effect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted December 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 Cool thanks guys I'll get the 6,700K bulb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishplants Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 My tank is quite tanniny at the moment and I reckon a 6,700K bulb (got mine from fish-street too) looks a lot nicer over it than a 10,000K. The 10,000K looks too white, whereas the 6,700K (because it's a yellower bulb) gives more of the blackwater effect. Yeah, my Juwel 400 has quite a lot of driftwood in it, hence lots of tannin, and the 'Nature' tube (6800k from memory) really shows off the tannins well. The other tube I have found really good in a tannin setup is the Hagen Aqua Glo, it gives the best look for a blackwater setup IMO. Even though the Aqua Glo is listed as 18,000K (same as the Powerglo!?!?), it produces an exceptionally pleasant light in a blackwater setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Usually not many plants are found in true Blackwater pools and the lighting is very subdued so perhaps a single low wattage bulb? It doesn’t really matter what the k rating is because the water will make it look yellow anyway. I dont think its worth importing a high quality bulb for a blackwater tank just go to Mitre10 and get a 865 for $5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted December 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 The reason for the metal halide is because of the shimmering, it's bright which = better photos, and it will be suspended which looks cooland allows me to have wood sticking out of the tank and for plants to grow about the surface Plus the fixture and ballast (brand new!) was only $160.00 including shipping off trademe so I had to get it! Also it works out at $20 NZD for the bulb and shipping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted December 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Here's my inspiration - http://www.perthcichlid.com.au/forum/index.php?showtopic=30543 !drool: !drool: Edit: Just noticed that he uses a 10,000K on his tank. Maybe I'll just get both bulbs and see which one I prefer and sell the one that I don't want? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antwan Posted December 22, 2011 Report Share Posted December 22, 2011 That's a cool tank too, I look forward to seeing the progress on your tank. P.s. I love metal halide, I find it hard to go back to fluorescent tubes after seeing the shimmering !drool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.