New tank! 5 gallon build with lighting questions

[Khij159753]

How much did it cost?

 

[CorallineAlgae]

Would a spiral type cfl of the same wattage be less efficient? If I wanted lower light should I get the spiral type 10 watt?

Yes. Spiral type bulbs have more re-strike and they put out the majority if their light upwards, or away from the top of the spiral. This is why they're so effective in cone type reflectors that point the bulb straight down. They often even say on the packaging not to use them horizontally but you definitely can. You may have trouble fitting a spiral CFL in your fixture because they're wider than the slimmer "U" shaped bulb you have now. A mini-CFL would probably fit. Always make sure you use a daylight, it's crucial for plants.