Is full spectrum lighting necessary?

[maronov]

I have some low-light plants under a 40W fluorescent bulb in a 5.5 gallon tank. However, the bulb is not a full spectrum. Considering plants get energy from the sun, and the sun is obviously full spectrum, are full spectrum bulbs necessary for the plants to do well?

 

[$eaba$$]

Nahh. Not IMO...

I don't have full spectrum plants and my low light plants grow well. With that much lighting though, think about co2 and ferts since you will have an algae problem probably.

Good Luck!

 

[chunkoblue]

Photosynthesis mainly relies on light in the blue and red spectrum, so as long as their is enough blue and red in the spectrum you are fine...

 

[beviking]

Just in case you aren't convinced after two replies...

Ditto the previous 2