Lighting for Planted Tank? 5,500K with either 6,500K or 10,000K?

Hey guys. I recently bought the Zoo Med T-5 HO Double Light Fixture. It did not come with bulbs, so I have to buy my own. I plan on having a planted tank.

I know for sure as one of the bulbs, I am going to get the Flora Sun Bulb (5,500K). But I am still undecided about the 2nd bulb. The box says that it would be good to pair it with the Ultra Sun Super Daylight bulb (6,500K). The other choice is the Ocean Sun (10,000K).

I have read a lot of people use both combinations, but what would be best? Using the 6,500K or the 10,000K?

 

I have a different brand but my fixture has 1 roseate( plant grow bulb) and a 1 6000k bulb.

 

The 10,000k says it is deeper blue in the light spectrum and is more for reef tanks. I use 6,500k cfls in my 10 gallon. Usually the 6,500k are called "daylight" because they fit that part of the light spectrum. So if your goal is to grow plants in your tank, I'd say go with the 6,500k lights which will be closer to the light spectrum that your plants need.

 

I agree stick with anything between th 5k and 8k range, which usually means the 6500.

 

In larger, deeper tanks the 10,000k is a benefit, but not for a smaller tank.

I use 6700 and 10,000 on my 90G; and 5000-6500 on my low light 25G and smaller tanks.

 

In larger, deeper tanks the 10,000k is a benefit, but not for a smaller tank.

I use 6700 and 10,000 on my 90G; and 5000-6500 on my low light 25G and smaller tanks.

I have a 60 gallon that's about 2 feet tall with a nova extreme and one of the bulbs is a 10,000k is that ok