10000k lights for a FW Hood?

[red tiger]

Hello,
I started a SW 10g and i am using 2 6500k 50/50 screw on type flourecent lights. I was told i needed at least 10000k for a DT. Is there anything out there that can produce 10000k with out using ballast type and use the same hood i have now?

 

[slice]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Tiger http:///forum/thread/386658/10000k-lights-for-a-fw-hood#post_3397504
Hello,
I started a SW 10g and i am using 2 6500k 50/50 screw on type flourecent lights. I was told i needed at least 10000k for a DT. Is there anything out there that can produce 10000k with out using ballast type and use the same hood i have now?
What was said is what most folks use, depending on the effect they want from their lighting (what critters they have).
Give this a read:
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/forum/thread/170123/saltwater-aquariums-101-lighting
That post is a wee bit dated, but it may help frame the next set of questions you may have.

 

[slice]

If it were me, for a standard 10g with the ultimate stock list of a pair of clowns, a few inverts and softies, I'd go with a 20" 2 lamp T5 with one 10000K or 12000K and a 420 actinic. Pretty standard fixture easily found for a reasonable price.
A Current USA Extreme 20" 2x18w T5 might be a good choice.
Others may disagree...

 

[red tiger]

So i would have to change the hood correct? There isn't anything out of the box that would fit this hood with the screw type bulb?

 

[al&burke]

You should be able to remove the screw in fixtures and install the T5 there are all sorts of retro kits available. But you should consider having the top of you tank open for gas exchange, thus using a T5 arrangement with legs. Just my 2cents

 

[slice]

On the list of 101 Tips to Beginning and Maintaining a Saltwater Aquarium, #4 is:
Be prepared to spend money

 

[2quills]

10,000k is just the color temperature of the bulb it doesn't actually mean that's what you need unless you just like that particular look. First thing you need to know is what you want to keep. If it's just fish only then you can use any type of bulb that you want. If you want to keep photosynthetic corals then I agree that you should upgrade the lighting to T5, PC or LED.