How do I know i have thr right aquarium lights?

Question

I have a 50 gallon tank and as ive said i just planted these plant bulbs, it will be a week tomorrow and i just am using the lights tht came with the tank, how do i know if i got the rights ones and if i dont wut ones shud i get?? by the way i did unbury the bulbs and now they are laying on the gravel! hopefully they will grow!

Answer 1

What kind of plants did you plant?  They sell bulbs for planted aquariums.  You can buy them at any pet store.  I have never kept a planted aquarium, so I'm not sure how good they actually are, but I know enthusiasts who would only use these bulbs.  If you are serious about planted aquariums, you might want to look into one of these.  If you are just exploring, you are probably okay to use the bulbs you already have at least at first.

Good luck!

Answer 2

As far as a specific spectrum, you want between 5,500 and 6,700 K-- this emits the most useful spectrum of light for the plants to photosynthesize in.  For strength, you want as many LUMENS as possible-- watts are irrelevant.  A watt is a measure of how much energy a bulb (or other appliance) uses, while a lumen is how much light it actually puts out.  T-5 bulbs are great (especially HO: high output, VHO: very high output), but compact fluorescents will do.  Lastly, reflectors are VERY important, as they will direct MUCH more light towards the tank.

Answer 3

....one thought says "1 watt for every gallon of water" will enable plants to grow

....but for vigorous, optimal growing, depending on the variety of plants you want to grow, more watts may be needed

...CO2 additives could be beneficial too

...personally, i prefer the artistic looks achieved by yellow lower wattage incandesent lights....they seem to make greens look so much 'nicer'....

...maybe you have red or blues you prefer to 'highlight', in which case the brighest bulbs in the box may not be the best choices either

....the website has a nice collection of info about these things

...look in the 'library' page

...also on the home page, enter a search 'plant bulbs' and follow those various links