lighting question

[jonnyb1425]

What is the difference between incandescent and flourescent lighting for my planted aquariums? I was an idiot and bought a bright kit (to convert my less powerful flourescent to an incandescent) on impulse without ever really knowing what the difference between the lights were (besides the difference in wattage availability).

 

[jonnyb1425]

Forget it! I truly am an idiot, I bought a compact flourescent and am feeling much better now that I know what I bought. I really should get rid of the credit card though...

 

[malkore]

Just to provide a little insight...
In terms of lighting output, incandescent is the worst...fluorescent is mid-level, and power compacts are the most efficient (on par with VHO fluorescents). Metal halide is a little less efficient than fluorescents, but due to their massive output related to size, they are quite usable, though more common in reef tanks than freshwater.