Red plants and light

[unicorn2tears]

Just two months ago I started planting my main tank. This is my first time trying this. I started with just two plants to see if the things would live (amazon swordplant and water sprite). I had bought an "aqua glo" 20 watt bulb for a 29 gal tank. They seem fine but I'm aware that I probably need more light. Before I go off getting a different bulb, I want enough light to have nice red plants in the tank. Also, the tank is in an area that doesn't get the best natural lighting (i.e. far away from any windows). So what type of lighting should I get so I can grow red plants?

 

[marcus russo]

Power compact lighting is the way to go.

Most bang for the buck and just what you need for a freshwater aquarium 6500k to 10000k. Stay away from actinic bulbs.


Many red plants require co2 AND high light for good growth

http://www.fish-forums.com/board

 

[Guest]

A different bulb is not going to help at all. Every bulb that will fit in your current fixture is the same wattage as the one you have now. Also 29 gallon tanks are IMHO a royal pain to light. They are 30" long and the most common PC bulb lengths are 22-24" and 36".

So you are either going to have a 55-65 watt bulb that doesn't give good coverage for the tank and still gives you a pretty low light tank or you can go to something like I have in my 29 gallon tank which is a 2x55 watt AH Supply kit that makes it so I can pretty much grow anything I wish but does require a pressurized CO2 injection system and a good knowledge of nutrients.