correct light spectrum question *one more quick question*

[Nyx]

What is the correct light spectrum for aquarium plants. Is it 6700k, 8000k, a mix of bulbs? My tank is 30 gallons with two T5 24-watt bulbs. It is low tech and I have low-light plants such as java fern and crypts. Good advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[charlie]

It is widely believed that anything from 5000K - 10,000 K is acceptable for plant growing, mixing color spectrum to please the eye is common.A popular mix is 6500/6700 with  10,000K.

[Nyx]

Thanks Charlie. I appreciate the help.

ETA: what is the best amount of time to leave the lights on? My plants are low-light and I have two 24-watt T5 bulbs?

[Jeff1192]

As for the amount of light I think it's something you need to play with. Different tanks seem to have different needs and what works for some won't necessarily exactly work for another. I would try 8 hrs of light and see what happens. The key is to leave it on long enough to get good growth but not so long that you start getting algae.

Jeff

[Nyx]

Thank you so much. I do appreciate all the help I get here.

[jetstream]

Color temperature Kelvins is a measure of the overall color of the light as it appears to the human eye. In theory, plants need light wavelength around 400-450nm (blue) and 650-675nm (red) light. Blue light is used for leaf growth, red light is for flowering and strong stems. The leaves reflect most green wavelength, that why leaves are green. A full spectrum light tube will take care all for you!   

[Nyx]

Thanks Ken I appreciate the help once again.