Plant Lighting Idea

[Crossfc]

Well, I have two java ferns and 3 vallis plants in my 30 gallon tall tank. The issue is I only have a 15w florescent tube from the hood. Not wanting to buy a new hood with twin tubes or some crazy expensive compact light I had an idea. Why not get myself a standing florescent light lamp with a flexible head and shine it in to the tank from the side? Will it work?

 

[Sheridanp]

I'm having the same problem as you with lighting. I would also like to know, and how many watts would be one of those?

 

[Crossfc]

I was thinking about getting those energy saving florescent light bulbs that peopel buy to replace their incendesant bulbs. So the packages say that is 13 watts but gives off like 45 watts of light.

 

[Themuleous]

You could try it but the trouble is those bulbs wont produce light thats much good to plants. The bubls that go under the hood are designed to be produce light of certain wave lenghts which promote good grow, the 'normal' room lights wont be so I dont it'll work very well. That said the plants you have aren't that demanding so I guess it wont do any harm if it doesn't do any good.

There is also the asthetics of the thing, would look a bit odd to me having lights shinging in from the side?

 

[Graeme Edwards]

I agree.

Why not put a reflector on the tube, that should help and be fine for the plants you have.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Plants grow towards the light= you will have some plants that grow sideways rather than up.