light bulb help please.

[2OH6NESS]

so i bought the aqueon colormax color enhancing 25 watt lamp i was wondering if its good for live plants or is it just for show? thanks.

[PewPewPew]

If it is one of these, or some similar variant (http://www.aqueonproducts.com/produc...scent-lamp.htm), then yes, plants will grow with it.

Florescent/CFL bulbs are very good for growing plants. Incandescent (the yellow-ey lights) are not.

Do you know the kelvin rating of the bulbs? For example, on the package, does it say something like "5500K rating", etc? The K rating is what helps the plants grow, not so much the wattage. 6500K is a great range, because its very similar to daylight.

Try leaving you lights on for at least 6 hours to help you plants grow. If your plants like light (usually plants other than java fern, anubias, etc), try and aim for 8-10 at least.

[2OH6NESS]

yeah it was the incandescent lights. the live plants are amazon swords how much light do they require? heard they where hardy plants and bearly need light. correct me if im wrong. thanks!

[PewPewPew]

Incandescant Lights are NOT what you need. You need Flouresant.
Amazon swords need at least 6 or so hours of good flouresant light, as well as 3 inches our more of gravel, because they have long roots. It should get fertilizer, root tabs are your best bet, they are sold in most pet stores.

[2OH6NESS]

Do the blubs come in the 5inch size the only one I seen at petsmart or petco or my LFS are the incandescent. Or can you give me a link? Thanks

[PewPewPew]

I Can't give a link to any, but I personally use ones from walmart called lights of america. They are sold on the pet section for about $5. They are 10w and rated at 6500k, I recommend.

[2OH6NESS]

Tube?

[PewPewPew]

Yeah, theyre tube lights. Many hoods call for those kinds.

[Thunderloon]

Originally Posted by PewPewPew

I Can't give a link to any, but I personally use ones from walmart called lights of america. They are sold on the pet section for about $5. They are 10w and rated at 6500k, I recommend.

^^^ my fav bulbs. Two of them in a 10gal rocks. They make a stronger 13w one but wallyworld won't carry it. and its blinding.

[PewPewPew]

I know, right? Best lights ever, and some of the cheapest Ive ever found. Wallyworld Representttt