anyone use 40 watt bulbs from lowes or home depot thats good for plants?

[Poklei]

are they the same as the ones they sell in pet stores? im trying to save some money, i saw light bulbs for 7 dollars at lowes/home depot, do they work on plants? if they do which light specs would u recommend?

 

[Electric45]

Its not just simple as seeing a light bulb and buying one. Im no expert but the plants need a specific light spectrum and rating. I believe (generally) this rating is from 5,000K to 10,000K. A good spectrum that most stores seem to sell is 6,700K.

 

[zalnn]

i would like to hear more opinions/experiences on this...

 

[I'mHooked]

Its not just simple as seeing a light bulb and buying one. Im no expert but the plants need a specific light spectrum and rating. I believe (generally) this rating is from 5,000K to 10,000K. A good spectrum that most stores seem to sell is 6,700K.

Generally, this is correct. My light fixture has a 6700k and a 10000k bulb and my plant growth seems to be optimized. But the specific spectrum is also dependent on what looks visually appealing to you, as there is not much gain b/n 6700 and 10000k besides the whiter appearance.

Of equal importance is the intensity of the light you are purchasing and the wattage of the bulb. A 24 watt t-8 is very different from a 24 watt t-5, or 24 watt compact flourescent.

If I were you, depending on the size of your tank and the plants you are attempting to grow, 2-3 watts-per-gallon of compact flourescent bulbs would work great. They aslo are highly cost effective.

For more information, please read the stickies regarding lighting. You can get as complicated as you want regarding lighting specifics.

 

[125g]

i just got one from wal mart and using them before i get my regular lights fixed, i don't it matters where you buy them, as long as they in between 5000k and 10000k you should be fine. oh yeah, and i paid six bucks for two lights vs. prob around $30 at any fish store, so do the math