Light Bulbs

[NotCalebSherida]

I just got a 20g tall tank and i'm planning on planting it with amazon swords, dwarf sag, java fern, anubias and other lower light plants..

i don't want to use co2, so i'm thinking about aiming at around 2 wpg... now, my hood accepts an 18" flouresent bulb, and i'm wondering if i can get one with more than 15w, where, how much, etc...

i've heard a lot of stuff about metal hidrides or something? and power compacts or something?

I'd just like a general light guide... also, if i can't get around 35-50 watts with one bulb, how/where could i get a setup for two/three/four bulbs?

and what color (kelvin temps) should i aim at for ideal plant growth?

thanks, caleb

 

[geoffgarcia]

5000 to 6500 would be an ideal range
a single 55 or 65w power compact light should accomplish your goals and IMHO would be better than 3- 20w bulbs

You could also get a 75w metal halide, although they are somewhat rare, and you might have a problem finding an appropriate bulb...

 

[Captain Hook]

If you just want to grow most low to medium light plants normal fluorescents should do the trick fine. You mentioned anubias, sag, and java fern. Those are all easy and low light plants. The swords will probably get too big for your tank. Most species (except for tenellus, quad..., parviflorus Tropica, maybe couple others) get very very big.

If you can get a double bulb fluorescent fixture that would do it. I use a double 2' shop light from Home Depot that cost about $20-$25.

 

[Signus]

But what sort of bulbs do you use in it? The ones from Home depo for aquariums/plants or the "special" ones at the lfs? Also, don't lumens count as well?

 

[geoffgarcia]

penn plax and triton bulbs are awesome, but I dont think they are worth the price.
If your gonna bother spending more than 5$ for a bulb then you shouldn't be using normal fluorescents , you should step it up to compacts or halides (IMHO)

 

[RTR]

I'll disagree strongly with that point - I think that Tritons are great planted tank NO tubes, and well worth their price. But one NO of any variety on a 20 tall is not going to do much of anything.

 

[Captain Hook]

Life and Powerglo bulbs are also good for planted tanks. I buy Daylight Deluxe from Home Depot because they are cheap. I've had good results with them.