Can i use cfl light bulbs for planted tank ?

i am tiled of by t5 burning bulbs and replacing them with 20-30 $ bulbs could i make somthing like this work for a 55 gallon mid light tank ?
http://www.amazon.com/Watt-Energy-S...id=1357617965&sr=8-2&keywords=cfl+light+bulbs

http://www.amazon.com/Ecosmart-14-W...d=1357617965&sr=8-14&keywords=cfl+light+bulbs

 

I think you should be able to.

I used 2 CFL bulbs on my 10 gallon and I had excellent plant growth

 

Both of those wouldn't have a color temp that would create a pleasing view on a planted tank, and the spectrum may not be right. The ones I've seen most commonly used are from home depot (26 watt GE energy smart daylight bulbs) and are a 6500K color temp, which is more suited for a planted tank. Although a high lumen bulb with a similar color temperature would be fine. As long as they are mounted vertically over the tank you may be able to achieve a low-medium light level 3 of them I believe.

This link may help you some.
 

 

thanks for the help what about theas they say 6500k
http://www.amazon.com/Feit-Electric...d=1357620125&sr=8-11&keywords=cfl+light+bulbs

 

I've used these with very good results. Saves a lot of money if you have an incandescent aquarium hood... which I believe are pretty rare nowadays.

 

i have that type of hood on my 10 gall seem to work well for plant growth

 

That would work fine, but you would be at a lower light level. How low would depend on the lumens it outputs.

Here is the one I was talking about that would give you more light output.
http://www.amazon.com/89095-26-Watt-Daylight-Compact-Fluorescent/dp/B002YEXMUK/ref=pd_sbs_k_5

 

im planing on havind 6-10 bulbs so at 10$ a bulb that would be almost not worth it

 

You can get higher wattage bulbs. I have some 85w ones coming in the mail tomorrow or wednesday.

However, T5ho's are not that expensive if you look around, I just bought some 4ft ones on amazon a few weeks back that were about $8 each and 7 or so for shipping, ended up getting 3 for about $31 shipped.

 

i have a 48'' dule non-ho t5 light with 2 6700k bulbs, it burnt one bulb (had the fixture 4-6 months) and all the local shops are asking 20-30 for a new bulb guess ill try looking around my thoughts where if i switched to cfl i wouldn't need to replace everything every 12 months

 

one side of the bulb melted and shattered no water got in it so idk what is was that caused it

 

 

This is a really cool thread. If I ever plant my 29 this is probably what I'll try. Clamping work lights are 8 bucks at lowes or home depot and cfls are cheap.