Lighting Question

[CornerFish]

I have a 48 gallon (if I remember correctly) pentagonal corner tank that is 25 inches tall. It has an 18-inch long bulb that came with the standard plastic hood. There is no way to put a longer bulb on it, though I could put on two of the same size (if I can find a hood/bulb socket thingy for it).

I want to grow plants - easy, low-light plants are fine for me - but don't think I have enough light. And, I'm not sure how to get enough light, quite frankly. I can't find 18" bulbs over 15W. Would two of those work? Right now I have a bit of java moss in there that is surviving, but not growing.

Would the same lighting needs exists if I turn my tank into a paludarium? The idea intrigues me.

 

[mfdrookie516]

with a tank that deep, youre going to have to up the wattage quite a bit really. Java moss is probably about the only thing that will make it, and thats questionable (looks like you've already figured that out). You'll probably have to go with a T5HO fixture to penetrate the water deep enough to give your plants any usable light.

 

[mgamer20o0]

prob want to switch to cf or t5 ho to get more light over that small area. maybe can get away with cfl bulbs.