Zoreta

I'm trying to raise a java fern in my 5 gal tank, and am looking for a lamp. My question is kind of dumb and I'm pretty sure of the answer, but I thought I would ask. With a clear-topped aquarium (probably going to be covered in clear acrylic), could a standard desk lamp work? If so, what bulb should be used?

I'm pretty sure I'll need to get a strip lamp specialized for aquariums, but if it's avoidable I'd like to know.

sjlchgo

You could get a light reflector(looks like a bowl) and fit it with a plant bulb.

Zoreta

The light reflector's so expensive, though, that a hood by itself is cheaper. The cheapest I saw was over $100.

GreenMan13

don't use acrylic for the top, it will bulb and warp from the heat. Use glass.

You can use CFLs in a normal screw in lamp but not incandescent bulbs. Incandescent will not give you enough light and will cause too much heat. Go to walmart, home depot or lowes and look for screw in compact florescent bulbs that are daylight color or around 6500K color temp. Not sure how much wattage you need for java fern but a 10-15 actual wattage bulb will work probably work for a 5 gallon. Also, ignore the equivalent wattage rating they give as it is useless for fish tanks.

Fla_Larry

if your talking a standard incandescent, it will work, somewhat poorly, incandescents put out the wrong color spectrum ( lacking on the red end of spectrum)