Power Glo / Life Glo Bulbs

[scottca]

Hi All,

Just a quick question regarding my lighting, My Aquarium came with 2x T5 HO PowerGlo tubes (18,000K). I was then recomended to change one of them to a Life Glo (6,700K) - So at the minute Im running 1 of each.

Im now wondering, for a heavily planted tank, with added compressed co2 and ferts, what bulb combination would be best? I read that the life glo is more like natural midday sun, so should I be looking at using both Life Glo's

Whats the advantages of the power glo's?

At what point is the light too much more the fish?

EDIT - I have just looked here http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue...ce-t5-tubes.asp and for the descriptions, it seems the power glo is recomended for photosynthic corals and invertebrates, does this mean this light is mainly for Marine, if so, then they also have a Marine Glo?

Its getting all confusing !

Regards,

Craig

 

[SuperColey1]

The best combo is the one which looks best to your eyes.

As for the point at which its too bright for fish, I shouldn't worry as you are in the planted forum and therefore you should be asking how much light is too much light for the plants. The fish should cope with any light in a planted tank because they will use the plants for cover.

You may not want a huge amount of light though plantwise as with more light other problems arise which means a lot more work (and equipment).

Check out this link:

http/www.theplantedtank.co.uk/lighting.htm

AC

 

[wendywc]

For the Hagen Glo bulbs, I've always like using two different spectrum bulbs instead of having both in the same spectrum. So for me, I'd go with one Life-Glo and one Power-Glo. Up to personal choice, like SuperColey1 said.

 

[scottca]

Thanks Aarron, noticed you posted a similar topic when you got your vicenza 180, what combination did you use?

Was just thinking maybe 2x lifeglo tubes will be better for the plants, or does it not make much of a difference?

 

[aaronnorth]

Hi, i used what you have now (life glo & powerglo)

i really liked the powerglo, brings out the greens very well. If you are wanting to show off any reds, then go for a kelvin <4000k (pink coloured tubes)

 

[scottca]

Sorry SuperColey (I refered to you as aarron as I was thinking getting mixed up with names (aarron has previously helped in another thread regarding Ferts dosing!) So sorry about that

Cheers for the link SuperColey, clears a few things up - I have certinately realised there is much more to a planted tank than first meets the eye, enjoying it and cant get enough - do you guys get kinda hooked too?

Thanks everyone, looks like ill stay a mixed bulbs as its best to bring out the colours of the fish / plants

I did notice though that when I kept 2x powerglo's - The red in plants started turning green which I thought indicates not enough light, when I switched one to a lifeglo this quickly changed.

If i wanted to achieve pearling, would it be best to run 2x life glo's ? or are they much of a muchness in terms of photosynthesis in plants?

Craig

 

[SuperColey1]

If you notice all my (and others) rants when phosphate haters and 'must use pink lights' lot chime in with their misinformed and ill advised info then you can gauge how 'hooked' we actually are.

AC

 

[aaronnorth]

pearling is only achieved when the plants get enough of lighting & CO2 & ferts.

Klevin makes no difference. (only to the colour of the tube )