Help
CHOOSING THE RIGHT K RATING:
FISH ONLY AQUARIUM: choose a bulb with a spectrum based on your personal preference. A lamp with a low K rating emits redder light and exibits more vivid colors than a lamp with higher K rating(emiting bluer light).normal-output aquarium bulbs are quite popular.
---------------------------------------------------------
FRESHWATER PLANTED AQUARIUM: fluorescent and compact flourescent are frequently used to provide the full spectrum range of light(5500*K to 7500*K).most plants require as a general rule 2-5 watts per gallon.
---------------------------------------------------------
REEF AQUARIUM:corals and inverts have adapted to bluer light naturally, which require higher K ratings. (10,000*K to 20,000*K).
--------------------------------------------------------
TECHNICAL INFO ON KELVIN RATING:
The kelvin scale describes the color of a light source when compared to the color a "theoretical blackbody" radiates when heated at the same temperature. think of a piece of steel that changes color as it is heated,then measuring the color of the light being given off.
At 0 degrees kelvin(equivalent to -273* celsius) the blackbody emits no light.As the blackbody warms, it begins emiting RED light. As the blackbody increases in temperature, light wavelengths become more yellow,then green,blue,and finally VIOLET. For example: sunlight at noon, with a kelvin rating of 5500*K, is typically refered to as FULLSPECTRUM because it contains a blend of all colors throughout the spectrum. Bulbs with a lower Krating (AND LOWER COLOR TEMPERATURE) emit a warmer,reddish light, while bulbs with a higher Krating (AND HIGHER COLOR TEMPERATURE) give off a cooler, crisper blue light.
Attached File(s)
-
E_5500K.Spectrum.L.gif (24.11K)
Number of downloads: 11
