Buying a new setup - need advice on bulbs

Carissa

Guru Class Expert
Jun 8, 2007
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16
Hi,
I am buying a 32g this weekend and it comes with a 2 bulb fixture, the two bulbs it comes with are 20w each, 4100k and a 18000k. Is this ok for growing plants? I'm doing non-co2 and have low light plants so I'm not looking for a setup that produces fast growth, just something that will keep them happy and alive and I don't want the algae to build up too much.
 

phanmc

Lifetime Charter Member
Lifetime Member
Sep 22, 2005
44
0
6
The color temp usually doesn't mean much in terms of plant growth, both of those bulbs will grow plants.

Now whether you like the color is a different matter. The 4100k is a cool white and will have a yellowish tint to it (compared to higher k bulbs). The 18000k has a violet tint to it. If you like the colors, keep them. If you think the 4100k is too yellow try a 6500k or above bulb.