light Help

so first off i have a planted tank, 55gal. I know 6500k is the best. I got two high watt lights but they where only 2000k so i wanted to try to eventually get myself that was 6500k becuase i heard that was the best.

My husband went to the hardware store and picked me up a light... its 65w and 6500k. But the guy at the hardware store didnt know anything about if it would work for an aquarium. He kept telling my husband he didnt think it would work becuase its not a "grow light" but my husband knew i wanted a 6500k light with decent watts.

Sooooo im just wondering will this 65w 6500k bulb work for my tank even though its not classified as a "grow light"?

Keelo, I kinda skeptical as to whether it'll work or not. I don't feel like being all technical but what the hardware guy said is in effect true. That light is only flourecent and will not keep your plants alive. Or at least this is my opinion :D

Yes it will work. Use one of each bulb and you will get a nice spectrum from the combo.

Awesome! i love that kind of good news fern! now my next question is there a side i should use my new bulb on? i have more plants/moss on the left side should i use the 2000k or the 6500k?

It MIGHT work - depending on the plants. Grow lights and daylight lamps are the best since they also emitt UV frequencies which most plants need. Only a few plants like java mosses and lucky bamboo are known to grow in ambient room light.

Walmart has a 24" growlight complete strip for under $20. It can be laid directly on top of a plexiglass top since it's designed not to get hot. If you pair that with a couple good 24" daylight aquarium bulbs - you'll do ok. I even noticed that walmart sold a 24" daylight/grow 6500 bulb now.

I've used these 'cheap' self-enclosed 24" strips from walmart for close to 20 years. The only time I EVER had a problem with one is when it was getting wet over a weekend when I put it too close the plexiglass opening near the filter outflow. Didn't catch fire, but you could definitely smell it. Into the trashcan it went.

okay ill keep that in mind too we havnt been able to put plexi over it yet we will do more work once taxes come in :)