Lighting question for the knowledgeable! (Plant Growth)

[Sycksun]

I have a 55 gallon tank and just recently purchased a 4X48" carrier for t8 32 watt bulbs. I am a college student and am trying to do everything as cheap as possible - I was recently in Menards and found that they carry 48" T8 32 watt bulbs that are incredibly cheap and seem to be very much the same as the bulbs they sell at most pet-stores. This bulb in particular is 8000k sky white. (What that means is a mystery to me, but to the extent of my knowledge it looks the same as the bulb in the pet-store).

My goal is not only to light my tank up, but I desire to grow many different plants. Are these bulbs relatively the same or are they very different in their light spectrum? Or can I not know?

Thanks!

 

[dutchy]

The spectrum of the bulbs is not as important as you might think. You can select them according to what you like. You won't notice any difference in plant growth. More important is the amount of light. For a non CO2 55, you would have enough with two bulbs, no more than 8 hours per day. 4 is too much. Choose plants that can grow well in low light and witthout CO2. That will give you the best chance to having a nice and cheap solution of keing a planted tank.

 

[scottward]

You can select them according to what you like.

Exactly!

I like tri-phosphor type lights that give a white natural look.

Some normal household lights look a bit too yellowy (low K's I believe).

For a non CO2 55, you would have enough with two bulbs

+1

4 tubes would be waaaaayyy too much.

Scott.

 

[Sycksun]

Thanks for your replies!
I've been doing quite a bit more reading and though I'm trying to stay pretty low on my budget I'm throwing around the idea of having CO2. It seems as if I can equip my tank with a CO2 system for a little under 130$. With the proper CO2 and "plant food" what should I bump my lighting up too? I've read a bit about the idea of low light CO2 which is much different than the older approach of 3-5 watts per gallon. What should my approach be to this?

 

[dutchy]

Low light means low maintainance and low cost, which seams to be your goal. Use no more than 1,5 wpg with 10 hours duration.