question about lights

[fishingaddict]

so on my other tanks i have fish tank lights i either bought at walmart fish section or the lights were given to me. these lights make the tank look nice, clear, and good.  on one of my 210s my dad built a canopy and put light fixtures in there and he put some random lights in there.. and the tank doesnt look good and im certain its due to the lights. so my question is what kind of bulbs am i lookin for to make the tank look good? any recommendations? the ones i bought from walmart dont have bigger sizes. inside the canopy are two light fixtures a 4ft and 3ft.

thanks

[eklikewhoa]

Re: question about lights

Powerglo looks really good which you can find at most LFS if not then your petco/petsmart.

[fishingaddict]

Re: question about lights

im assuming powerglo is a brand? i guess ill get those, is there a certain kind of powerglo? because ive noticed some are bluish light, some pinkish and some purplish. the one i got from walmart look kinda purplish.. but make the water look really clear. thanks for the info.

[Mzungu]

Re: question about lights

There are tons of options you have here. Usually, on the actual fluorescent tube you can find the "k-rating" of the bulb, which will help you determine about what color it will be when lit. A higher K-rating means more blue, lower is more red/yellow, etc. Usually bulbs manufactured for aquariums tend to be on the higher side, hence a bit more blue.

It might help to find out what bulbs you have in the fixture you don't like, and compare them to those you do like.

[Tiapan]

Re: question about lights

what she said

[PhishPhreek]

Re: question about lights

I usually use "daylight" or "plant" bulbs as I have more trouble growing plants than fish.
But it's fun to play around - at one time I used a "black light" & Disco music.

[fishingaddict]

Re: question about lights

whats the price range on basic aquarium bulbs?

thanks for all the responses.

[PhishPhreek]

Re: question about lights

I can't afford the bulbs that are available at most lfs.  I buy mine at sears or builders square.
4' fluorescent bulbes are less than $2  
and 4' shop fixtures are less than $10  

[JGUERRA]

Re: question about lights

yea i bought my 4 ft bulbs for a dollar something at ACE Hardware

[fishingaddict]

Re: question about lights

hmm

[Asianlatinremix]

Re: question about lights

Yo cuz did you ever use that bulb i gave your brother. That marine glo . if you mix it in with good clear white bulb you should have some nice lightin.