Any recommendations for a flourescent bulb?

[thegrandpoohbah]

I need a new 15W 18" T8 bulb for my 10G canopy. I want one that will grow some easy plants. The current bulb is an Aqua-Glo and it is too dim with a very purple light output. I've had very little success growing plants with this light. Any suggestions?

[Soggybottom]

I hold off on all my lighting purchases until I can make it to Albrite lighting in Coquitlam.
Just walk in and say you want an 18" T8 around 6500k (best for plants IME) and they'll be back in a flash and you won't pay double to have "aquarium" written on it somewhere :)

Actually maybe call 'em first and save yourself the drive just in case.

[Melody]

I would walk in and say "I don't want to make things difficult for you, so I'll give you a choice of calling either Mr. Grandpoohbah or Mr. Soggybottom to find out what I need."

If either of you answer the phone and say "She needs a good swift kick in the anal fin", I'm never speaking to you again. :NoWay:

[blainep]

I've often wondered about the correct light spectrum/strength to use.
I've always had decent growth from my plants, but I also always use hard to kill plants.

[thegrandpoohbah]

I ended up getting a T6 bulb from BA's. It says 7000K on the package and it sure is a lot brighter than the bulb that it's replacing. THe only concern I have is that the canopy uses what I assume are water-proof end caps. The new bulb is a little bit slimmer so there is a bit of a gap where condensation could get in. I'm not overly worried since it was never a perfect seal anyways but do you think this might become a problem?

[hp10BII]

I'll second Albrite lighting - found some hard to find GE compact flourescents, much better than the stock coralifes. Plants started growing like crazy. Never thought to try there for regular T8's. Only open on weekdays though.

[Soggybottom]

Yeah albrite's hours are tough, especially when you are trying to battle rush hour to get there before 4:30 :)

I wouldn't worry too much about condensation GP, at my grandpa's house the standard fluoro light fixtures in the bathroom got preeetty steamed up and nothing ever happened. Then again, there was probably a GFI circuit if something ever did happen...

How do you find the 7000k light for colour? Plants love the cooler daylight bright whites and blues apparently, but I kinda want to try some warmer bulbs in combination for a more inviting look...

[thegrandpoohbah]

Actually, it seems very white. Much whiter than the 6700K bulbs I've used in the past. The tank is now very bright considering that it's only 15 watts.