5000K fuge light.

[jbvdhp]

i just picked up a compact flourescent light from philips (18") and it claims the color to be 5000k. is this good enough to grow chaeto or does it really have to be 5100k? my chaeto looks like it's "receding" and i'm kinda worried. any thoughts on a better bulb/ light source??? thanks...

[Dakota]

no, since eve na "5100k" lamp isn't really burning at 5100K. Espeically, since flourecents don't actually 'burn' at any kelven, technically. But yes, it will work as long as it's strong enough (65w grew chaeto for me just fine)

[jbvdhp]

whoa, 65 w??? my "5000k" is only 15 w. whoops. did i make a mistake, dakota?

[jbvdhp]

it says it's a full spectrum light that simulates noon-light.

[Dakota]

the spectrum is fine. It's the power you need to be concerned a bout. 15w of PC flourecent lighting isn't really enough unless it's on an aquafuge H.O.T. I had the 65 watt (home depot flood light setup) over a 10gal sump/fuge.

[jbvdhp]

i see. i saw an article (http://www.melevsreef.com/fuge_bulb.html) and the guy stated he used a flourescent (spiral type) that was 17 w and you can see his results. i'm hoping i can get better results. thanks, dakota!

[jbvdhp]

...better results than what i currently have i should say.

[lucubrator]

It could be a sign that your nutrient level is low. When you test your water, do you detect nitrates? Are there other algaes growing that make you think your macro should be growing?
I'm using a 20w daylight t5 and things seem to be growing splendidly.

[jbvdhp]

low nutrient level??? hmm... i have "zero" nitrates. i never thought of that. i do have some hair algae growing. i have halimeda from the LR that is growing.

[Dakota]

I'll always read 0 nitrates, but my chaeto usually is still growing strong.