Bulbs?!? Fw

[sandypants]

So I have a planted FW with vals(mostly), java fern, a small sword and a moss ball. I think my bulb is past it's prime and I want to get a new one. Currently for my 16g it's an 18" 15 W 6700. Should I go with another 6700? (the price is better) OR my LFS suggested a red hue one (can't remember the "k" number) and said it's better for the plants (it's also $25) or online I ran across some that are 10,000 k that sound cool and the LFS described to me would give off more of a "bright white" light as opposed to a "hue" they said 50/50 bulbs are a no-no for a FW tank... what is good for community planted FW????

[MCHRKiller]

5000-8000K is the prime range for live plants, 6500-67000K tends to give you the most eye pleasing look with best plant growth. I would just go for another one of those, and generally you can find one of these bulbs in a T8 version in big box stores such as Lowes, Home Depot or Walmart for a couple of dollars

[sandypants]

By "T8" do you mean the connector on the end? My LFS has them for $13 and Petco has the same brand my LFS carries for $12

[PostalPenguin]

T8 refers to the size of the bulb. Get whichever will fit your fixture and is in the range MCHRKiller mentioned.

[sandypants]

So really there is no difference from the 6700k bulb at Petco and a 6700k bulb (in proper size of course) from Home Depot- other than price?

[MCHRKiller]

Nope, there is no difference. The only difference is the packaging and brand name.

[Gramazing]

By bulbs do you mean tubes? I'm not being pedantic, I was wondering if there are other configurations than what I have.

[sandypants]

I do mean tubes. I have an 18" strip tube light. 15W. Currently an "All Glass Aquarium" 6700K.