What's The Best Light Colour Temperature?

[TetraFin]

What is the recommended range (K) for lighting a planted tank? I'm guessing 5000 - 8500K?

Many thanks!

 

[SombreroBanana]

I think a lot of people go for 6500k-6700k.

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Daylight is 6500K so anything near that really, some plants use different colours in the spectrum more than others but with daylight there's enough of everything.

 

[TetraFin]

Okay, thank you! I'm toying between a low tech 1.2WPG no CO2 with my current lamps, (2 x 18w pl), or a high tech 3.7WPG with CO2. I'm able to get a fire extinguisher and 2 x 55w pl lamps (any colour) and control gear for free/nearly free... I'm torn as to what to do!

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Just to let you know if your not very experienced growing plants then going with 3.7WPG is gonna cause you trouble, most I'd say is like 2WPG for a beginner but if not then go high tech.

 

[TetraFin]

I may stay with my current setup then, 1.2 WPG with a 24 inch depth. Sticking to java ferns, Anubis and crypts I think!

 

[Ps3Steveo]