cheaper light options

[Tlaloc]

I was wondering if some kinds of regular light bulbs like halogen flood lights, eco lights from target or some other kind of non aquarium lighting can be used to grow plants. Ive been using eco lights from target for several months now and my plants(and algae, lots and lots of algae) have been growing just fine

[BrAin]

I've used 4' bulbs and a shop light before but its not always the best. Currently using a cheap light on a sump b/c I heard it would work and Im beginning to think its not good for by plant. Most lights dont have the correct spectrum. Try to find some that are the 6500K temp. rating.
Spend some money on your lights if you want an awesome tank.

[snailtrax]

I'd say if you're happy and the results look "just fine" to you, then keep it up.

[mistahoo]

6,500k flood lights.

[judsoncrouch]

I use two reptile dome fixtures with 23W compact fluorescent bulbs in them over my 40 Breeder. If you're getting too much algae you may want to try raising your lights. That is assuming if you're running CO2, dosing, and doing regular water changes.

[CharlesTheG]

Hey guys I'd like to re open up this discussion I just have a few questions about lighting as well. I have a 20 gal tall tank and I now have a 24 in t8 fluorescent lamp. I want to up my lights but the flood lights in the tank sound like a great idea Mistah. When I bought the tank it came with a 24 in lamp with two standard medium ballast...I think that's what it's called in case it isn't it's a lamp with two standards bulb sockets are there flood lights small enough to fit in there? Also where the bulbs screw in they are going to be pointing towards each other I rigged foil duct tape as a really good reflector. So will that be enough or will I need a a different lamp or something thank you so much in advance!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PhysicsGuy]

On smaller tanks I have a lot of success sing the spiral daylight (6,500k) blbs that go into a regular socket. Works great for lower light plants tanks

[BrAin]

Yeah, I have several small 10 gallons and Im using the spiral 6500 bulbs as well. They are doing pretty good on the smaller tanks. I think it just depends on your plants.