lighting for plants

[smallfry53]

Hi, I currently have a 29g tank. I just bought a few plants, then realized my lighting might not be good enough. My hood says 20W on it, and has a 24" T8 bulb in it. From what I have been reading I'm pretty sure that isn't enough light for live plants, but I'm not sure what to do. I have been told that getting a different bulb probably isn't going to be enough. So I'm guessing that means a new hood, but I have no idea what I should get. Is there a different bulb I could buy for the hood that would work or do I need a new hood? This lighting stuff is a mystery to me. I have been reading a lot about it, but I don't really understand most of it. If anyone could share their thoughts on what they would do I would appreciate it.

 

[revchristinejday]

Dear smallfry53,
If you do low light plants such as anubias, crypts, etc you should be okay...a 24" T8 "flora" or grow light with a higher K level could boost your light more for the plants.
Chris+

 

[smallfry53]

Thanks rev.

I looked again and my bulb says it is a "daylight" bulb, so it's probably 5500k?

 

[smallfry53]

I have found some 20W 24" T8 flora bulbs online. Would that be a lot better then my current 17W daylight bulb, or should I stick to 17W flora bulb since my hood says 20W? Could that overheat the hood?