timbruun Posted December 9, 2009 Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 I bought a normal office light for my really small tank since I couldn't find any tank light that would fit where I have it. So my question is will a regular 60w bulb cause any problems? Is it good enough light to keep low light plants? Any other issues that I should know of and if it won't work what else can I use in a regular screw in type light? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catshanon Posted December 9, 2009 Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 I don't see any problems with your 60W bulb, but if you use the CF type bulbs, they will be better (IMO). A CF bulb will be more brighter than a normal bulb and the cost will also be lower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timbruun Posted December 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 And actually now that you mention it, do they not produce less heat also? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceturf Posted December 9, 2009 Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 And actually now that you mention it, do they not produce less heat also? Can't you buy a 13w daylight CF thats about the same size as a regular 60w?-Home depot I think, 6 pack! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timbruun Posted December 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 In the case of a 13w, would that be enough to grow plants? That's probably my main concern. The fish do fine with any light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catshanon Posted December 10, 2009 Report Share Posted December 10, 2009 In the case of a 13w, would that be enough to grow plants? That's probably my main concern. The fish do fine with any light. In terms of brightness, a 13W is really bright, and you can grow low light plants comfortably with those (IMO). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timbruun Posted December 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 10, 2009 Maybe I'll give them a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishkabod Posted December 10, 2009 Report Share Posted December 10, 2009 13watts means only how much electricity is used. In terms of the amount of light that is produced a 13 watt is about the same as a 60 watt bulb. Speaking from someone who has used CFL bulbs for years DON"T CHEAP OUT. you'll regret it because with cheaper bulbs the light will gradulally diminish and you can't tell until you change the bulb. I have a office desk lamp on my 15 gallon with a small 14Watt CFL and it's more than enough light for my plants. It seems to be the only tank that i can actually get plants to grow in. Good luck L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin Posted December 10, 2009 Report Share Posted December 10, 2009 that is what i use in my 10 gal with plants thriving. In the case of a 13w, would that be enough to grow plants? That's probably my main concern. The fish do fine with any light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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