Red, White, Blue Lights?

Another Bulb Question, just looking for personal experience stories, don't need to be very specific.

I am currently running 4 x T5Ho Bulbs 6400k at 55W each.
From an earlier post, was told that it is definitely enough for my set up. However I was able to find a Red and Blue T5Ho Bulbs also at 55W each, and from my research online, they should definitely help. Strong Healthy Plants is my priority before any fish come.

I have them going, Red in the Back, Whites in the Middle and Blue in the Front.
Only issue, the tank isn't as bright anymore and I think I preferred it with the 4 White lights lol.

However, is the value the Red and Blue bring to the plants far better than 4 White lights and the look?

Have you guys seen a big difference?

 

Maybe change the config so the white are on the outside and coloured in the middle? Might reduce the chance of 'focus' beam that you have now and spread the light out a bit.

Red lights from my experiences are great for increasing the red colour in plants and fish. Plus plants do use light in the red wavelength, but depending on the light this may be pointless since red doesn't penetrate water as far as blue can - hence why oceans are blue.

Blue is predominately used by plants IMO, so would highly reccomend leaving it on (and maybe do 3 white lights with it). Plus brings out the colour of blue fish, and sometimes can make reds a little more darker - like maroon. Which is nice personally. Depending on the blue, you could also use it as a 'moonlight' and have the whites turn off prior so there's a gentle transition from bright to no light.

Many have had success with red/blue bulbs, especially with CO2 and ferts for plant growth. Consider trialling it out for a month, and if there's no real difference then you can always switch back (or do the 3 whites and one blue as I suggested prior).

 

HI @ HamSnacks,

Plant growth is dictated by light intensity (PAR) not be light spectrum; as long as the light is in the usable range for photosynthesis (PUR) it will help the plant grow. Pick a light spectrum that appeals to you visually, with adequate intensity the plants will grow fine.

Regrettably our eyes are very poor tools for measuring light intensity, especially outside of the 'white light' range. Although the tank may not appear to be as bright as before it may actually be brighter....especially if the bulbs you replaced were over a year old. Blue light actually penetrates water better than 'white light', however red light does not penetrate as well as 'white light'.

 

SeattleRoy... white light contains all light spectra, hence the reason why its white. So blue light will penetrate as deeply as white light (just the blue portion in the white light however) as long as they are the same intensity.

 

SeattleRoy... white light contains all light spectra, hence the reason why its white. So blue light will penetrate as deeply as white light (just the blue portion in the white light however) as long as they are the same intensity.

HI aussieJJDude

Yes, you are absolutely correct; but how much is the 'blue portion'?

It is interesting to note that florescent tubes put out 'white light' (or any color) by using coatings and phosphors to change the invisible ultraviolet light of the excited gasses inside the tube while the color of an LED is determined by the material that is used with the Gallium to make the LED.

 

HI aussieJJDude

Yes, you are absolutely correct; but how much is the 'blue portion'?

Haha, that's like saying what type of fish can I keep in a 300g tank... its a little broad of a question, don't you think?
So to answer: depends on the manufactured light and setup.