Which bulb for a 5.5 gallon tank, to be planted ?

I came across an inexpensive 10g, and will be transferring my daughter's 5.5g tank into that within the next few days.

I will be taking her 5.5g and hoping to plant it pretty well - not to the point I need CO2 though.

The little hood on her tank will take 1 single bulb, maximum 25 watts.

Am I better to put in a 25watt incandescent bulb, or to get a florescent one (I think it's about 15 watts that fits in).

What should I look for to get the most out of what little lighting is available for this tiny tank ? I am not interested in upgrading the hood and fixture at this point.

 

Don't bother with the incandescent bulb. Incandescent light does absolutely nothing for plants. I would get the 15 watt fluorescent bulb if it will fit. That will give you a good amount of light for the tank. Try to find a bulb that best simulates nature sunlight, or has a light temperature of around 6700k.

 

Awesome - easy to do. Thank you !

 

Your welcome!

 

I would go with the 15 watt fluorescent light bulb. That will give you 1.5 wpg which is decent. I would look for a bulb that has a 6500-6700 K light temperature as that is usually the best for most plants IME. Since your lighting is pretty low, you will be limited to low light plants like crypts, java ferns, java moss, anubias, etc.

 

I think the bulb is going on her 5.5g, isn't it?

 

You're correct, Dlondon - this is for the 5.5g tank.

I am not sure what the lighting situation is yet with the 10g.

 

You're correct, Dlondon - this is for the 5.5g tank.

I am not sure what the lighting situation is yet with the 10g.

My apologies. I read your post wrong. If the bulb is going on your 5.5, then you certainly are not limited to low light plants. Low-medium plants should do fine.

 

It's the 5.5 - the child is getting the 10 gallon !