2.5 hex ..fluorscent or incandes??

[PCDawg]

I have a 2.5 hex with one live plant......

Would i need a compact fluorescent light bulb or the incandescent bulb will do in providing heat for the plant??

The compact fluorescent doesnt get as hot (warm up the water )as much as an incandescent right??

Thanks...

I am thinking of putting a betta there with an amano shrimp and a dwarf frog...

Thanks

[OrionGirl]

The plant probably doesn't need much heat. Many aquatic plants tolerate temps down in the 60's, where the fish would be torpid. In fact, the lower heat bulb would probably be better--it doesn't take much to overheat a 2.5 tank.

[TKOS]

Heat tends to grow long stringy plants at best, or gives little growth at worse. The flourescent bulb will be much better, and cost you less to use in the long run.

[Hebdizzle]

how long and how many watts is the flourescent bulb for a 2.5 gallon hex tank?

[PCDawg]

Thanks!!!

Another quick Q......

Does the compact fluorescent have to be an aquarium specific one?? Or can i just pick one up from Home Dpot or something???

[tricksterpup]

There are some 10 watt pc bulbs that are sold by Coral life that would help you grow plants for you tank. I placed one on my 2.5 mini bow that i recently bought and tossed out the incandecent. It is working fantastic, right now i am cycling the tank with plants.
IMHO, these new bulbs are gonna open up a new world to having smaller plant tanks for people at a cheaper cost. Buy the cheaper incandescent hood and run the better bulbs. :D
jim