Where to Buy T8 10000k and Greater Tubes

Hello 3reef,

I've got a 55 gallon African Cichlid tank with two 6500k 48" T8 Bulbs in a fixture I put together (the old one blew out). I would like to try using a bluer bulb in the fixture to help accent colors but my local hardware stores (Lowes, Home Depot, etc) do not carry anything with a higher temperature than 6500k.

I could go to Petsmart/Petco/LFS and pick up an actinic or something like that but that'll cost me $30. Is there a cheaper solution?



I know for planted aquariums it's cheaper (and I the look better) to use regular 6500k tubes from a hardware store (for less than $10) rather than $30 for a "plant" bulb. Is there a similar source for higher temperature bulbs?

 

You will need to go to a LFS or order them on line. Probably will be cheaper on line even with shipping.

 

If it is a planted tank, I think 6500 K bulbs would be your best option for plant growth. Just my 2 cents.

 

yes, 6500k is the best for a planted tank, but this is not a planted tank. I'm trying to accent the colors in my african cichlid tank (similar to the colors provided in a reef tank). I thought I put that into my first post but apparently not. Sorry for the confusion.

I want to get a 10000-20000k bulb to go with my 6500k bulb to accent colors.

 

Adding a blue bulb in will do no harm as the plants can use blue light quite well.

Actually I would suggest getting a roseate lamp if you can find one in T8.

 

No need to apologize, just a simple misunderstanding. You did include it in your original post, I just made an assumption based on your signature. You know what they say about assumptions...

 

Thanks. Good too know. I figured growth may take a hit by removing a 6500 K from the fixture. But since this isn't a planted tank, this is a moot topic.

Good luck finding your bulb! Wish I could help.