Hi everyone,
So i have a 20 gallon high tank and I would like to have the ability to grow medium light plants. So I am wondering what CFL bulbs I should use in order to achieve this. I am using a DIY hood shaped like \_/ that I outfitted with 3 sockets (horizontally) for use with CFLs. The reflector I am using is just aluminum foil. I have also installed 2 fans, one blowing air in and one blowing air out so the heat of the bulbs will not be a problem. I have read in forums that the best temperature for growing plants is 6500k and I have access to either 13 watt or 23 watt CFLs that match that color temperature. So I am wondering if anyone here has a planted 20 gallon high tank with CFL bulbs that can tell me what is working for them and their plants.
I actually currently have 13 watt cfl bulbs installed and I am getting green algae growing on the sides of the tank and on the gravel. This did not happen before with the stock strip light. Does this mean I should have enough light for medium plants? will the algae get worse if I use 23 watt bulbs?
Thanks.
So i have a 20 gallon high tank and I would like to have the ability to grow medium light plants. So I am wondering what CFL bulbs I should use in order to achieve this. I am using a DIY hood shaped like \_/ that I outfitted with 3 sockets (horizontally) for use with CFLs. The reflector I am using is just aluminum foil. I have also installed 2 fans, one blowing air in and one blowing air out so the heat of the bulbs will not be a problem. I have read in forums that the best temperature for growing plants is 6500k and I have access to either 13 watt or 23 watt CFLs that match that color temperature. So I am wondering if anyone here has a planted 20 gallon high tank with CFL bulbs that can tell me what is working for them and their plants.
I actually currently have 13 watt cfl bulbs installed and I am getting green algae growing on the sides of the tank and on the gravel. This did not happen before with the stock strip light. Does this mean I should have enough light for medium plants? will the algae get worse if I use 23 watt bulbs?
Thanks.