lighting to grow plants T8 vs T12

[the_K]

i was deciding which lights to use to grow my plants. i hear alot of good stuff about T8 but T12 so much cheaper and im on a bit of a budget right now. i have a 10 gal tank with some HC (dwarf baby tears) and i know they need alot of light and i was wondering is T12 would work for growing the HC

[smaug]

for a small tank such as your it doesnt really matter which one,t8 or t12 will not be any noticable difference.If you want the best lighting, A T5 fixture is the way to go.For hc and other ground cover plants you will need at least 30 watts of 6500k light.

[the_K]

i never really understood why it matters how much "k" is but out. i hear about it but never unsterstood it why. can you tell me??

[Algenco]

"k" is the Kelvin rating referring to the temp or color spectrum

[Jacko]

I agree with doing a t5, a t5 is going to be the most economical option down the road, they're a bit more expensive but worthwhile if you want a really nice planted tank, they're also cheaper to keep running than compact fluorescents.

IME, both 65K and 10K work great for planted tanks, 65K is probably the best choice though.

[the_K]

well i decoded to go with the T12. there is a problem though i found a light that says its made for plants and aquairms but it doesnt say how many kelvins it puts out and the daytime bulb says that it puts out 6500K. witch one should i get?? and do you guys think the daytime one would be ok since it puts out 6500K?

[rich311k]

6500K is perfect for plant growth.

[the_K]

does it matter if its two bulbs with 6500k each or should it be 6500k with both combined cuz i can fit two bulbs

[rich311k]

6500K each.

[the_K]

sorry for all the noob questions but thanks for helping

[domjd05]

Many places will brand "plant and aquarium" bulbs with a really low kelvin rating.. like 2500k or something.. not what you want, get the daytime 6500k's.

[the_K]

will do. thanks