What generic lights work well on planted aquaria?

[antoseven]

It's been about 8 years since I had planted aquaria. I forgot so much - so much info about products. I used to know of generic bulb I bought at Walmart, that was inexpensive, but had an adequate spectrum for freshwater plants.
Does anyone have any info on them?
Also, what growlights have the best results (I have only 1 watt per gallon right now - but have Java Fern, Cryps, and Anubias growing right now.)
Please let me know info on the best plant lights - the inexpensive (but effective) plant lights.- and those plant bulbs that best show the fish while still being an adequate plant bulb.
Thanks, Tony

 

[prez06]

generally incandescent lights and i believe standard fluorescent lights have a type of bulb in the 6500-6700k range. that's generally acceptable for growing plants, and is what i use mostly.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

what size of tank?

 

[dbosman]

Your local hydroponics shop has or can get T5HO strip lights at very reasonable prices. They usually come in nominal 24" and 48" lengths. Sometimes in 36" as well. They also sell reflectors for these strips that can double the effective light going into the tank.

 

[jamiemyers]

the ones I bought from walmart were aqua culture aquarium plant growth bulbs in a twin pack...they are for a 10 gal and think they were 3 or 4 dollars but they seem to work well for me