I had a 5W clip-on compact-flourescent light for a 2.5G betta tank . . . worked very well, light was more than enough to keep anubias and java ferns, etc. . . . got it real cheap as a close-out
First plated tank... Is a mess... =P
- Thread starter BlackLagoon
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I do actually have a reading lamp that I use for taking pictures of my toy collection, I think I can use it to light the tank. But I don't know anything about aquarium lighting and the needs of the plants I use in the tank. I have two bulbs, a 5W daylight cfl and a 50w halogen. The halogen get's too hot though so I'll probably just use the cfl, I just hope that their are sufficient specially for the water lettuce. 
I think you will be ok growing the plants with natural light. I have some plants growing that way right now. Its worth trying because its a whole lot cheaper than buying a light. I would just give it a couple months and see what happens. Try moving it around to several locations and see what yields the best growth with the lease algae.
BlackLagoon;4290478; said:I do actually have a reading lamp that I use for taking pictures of my toy collection, I think I can use it to light the tank. But I don't know anything about aquarium lighting and the needs of the plants I use in the tank. I have two bulbs, a 5W daylight cfl and a 50w halogen. The halogen get's too hot though so I'll probably just use the cfl, I just hope that their are sufficient specially for the water lettuce.
I would think the 5w lamp would be just fine. The 50w would be overkill.
Plants must to have CO2! Look up a DIY c02 system. I made one from a 2L pop bottle, sugar water bread yeast and an air hose. A well lit room an hour of direct sun should result in some pretty fair plants.
I have been growing plants for about 3 years.
Myron
I have been growing plants for about 3 years.
Myron
Nah. Only a few plants need that. I have never used CO2 and my plants are doing really well. They are all water weeds.
I have also done that DIY CO2, but I don't think you'll need it in this case unless you want your riccia to pearl.
I find that some thin, fluorocarbon fishing line is harder to see than nylon string!
I find that some thin, fluorocarbon fishing line is harder to see than nylon string!
