andy65

I have about 1.5 WPG (15W light in my 10 gallon) tank. I just have the bulb that came with my hood (All-Glass 20", single bulb). If I remember right the bulb is in the 9000K range.
Do I NEED to get a new bulb for the plants?
Sorry for all the questions, but is there any way to tell how much wattage you can go up to on the hood?

What are some plants that would survive and look nice in there?
Also where is a good source of live plants on the internet?

Sorry again for all the questions. I am still new to all this stuff.

jsalemi

In order: no, you don't need a new bulb for the plants -- anything in the 4000° - 10000°K range is considered 'daylight'. The real difference in the temps is the color of the light -- it's reddish towards the lower temps, and bluer towards the higher temps. So 9000°K is fine.

Florescent tube hoods aren't like incandescent bulbs -- the wattage of the tube is determined by and fixed by its size. The only way to go higher wattage is to get a longer tube.

For what plants to use, read this: General Guide to Low-Light Planted Tanks

As for sources, I've had a great experience with LiveAquaria.com. Others here have had good experience with azgardens.com and aquariumplants.com.