Lighting help needed

**ryann** · 06-06-2012, 07:06 PM

I'm looking into starting to put plants into my aquarium and am very confused about the lighting needed. I want a low tech setup and want it to be about as cheap as possible. Right now I have a light made for outdoors clipped on the top with a standard screw in cfl bulb and that's been fine for the fish but I don't know how that would work for plants. As I don't want to spend a lot on lighting I know that would restrict me to beginner low lighting plants, which I'm fine with.

I feel like I've heard opposites about lighting everywhere I look so I hope someone can help me out here. I have a 20 gallon high tank btw which is 16 inches high.

**genocidex** · 06-06-2012, 09:04 PM

i dont see why those lights wont work for plants, but you need to look at the spectrum of the clf. the goal would be between 6000K and 7000K ideally 6500k. might need a 2nd one but i think you will be fine with most plants. also consider the nutrient needs of the plants when planning.

**ryann** · 06-06-2012, 09:15 PM

ok thanks. I do not remember exactly what wattage or spectrum the bulb is. I might get a new one just so I know I have the ideal spectrum. Is there anything else that I need to consider if I am buying a new bulb anyway?

**genocidex** · 06-06-2012, 09:25 PM

for the light bulb not really wattage and spectrum are key, but might be a good idea to invest in a timer, and if you arent using a lid, then some sort of splash guard.

**ryann** · 06-06-2012, 09:27 PM

ok great, I have a timer and have been looking into getting a glass canopy to go over my tank. What wattage would you suggest is safe for a 20 gallon high tank? dimensions are 24"L x 12"W x 16" H

Is 60 watts too much for my tank?

**ryann** · 06-06-2012, 09:35 PM

and what color of light? Do I want a daylight colored bulb?

**dbosman** · 06-06-2012, 10:23 PM

I recommend the Sylvania, 23 watt, daylight, "now smaller than ever" compact spiral fluorescent bulb. Walmart and Menards should have them. Two will fit a standard 20" - 24" incandescent strip light.
Two, in inexpensive clamp on flood light fixtures, will work well for your tank, too.

**ryann** · 06-07-2012, 12:59 PM

would it be better to get 2 different bulbs to cover the spectrum better or will this kind of daylight bulb be good enough that I can just get 2 of them?