Lighting and Plants

[erik]

I have 2 10 gal tanks and 2 light strips, what's the best bulb for plants and animals. Right now i have the ones that came with them and I want to get some news bulbs. wnat the best plant growth possible and the best for the animals.

[jennifer]

The animals don't give a hoot. Just get a plant bulb. I buy GE "plant and aquarium" bulbs, which are sold at discount stores (lighting department, not pet department).

[howard]

Does the GE plant bulb work equally well for terretrial and aquatic plants? Also, are salamanders harmed by UV from lights? Does the GE plant bulb produce UV?

[jennifer]

I assume the GE plant bulb would work for both terrestrial and aquatic plants. I believe that it does not emit significant UV.

[joe]

Just a few more thoughts about lighting and aquatic plants. If you get a flourescent light specifically for plants/aquariums, it will probably do especially well on the red/blue areas of the lighting spectrum--which is important for aquatic growth. Also how close the plants are to the surface determines how strong the lumination is that you'll need--plants further from the surface (ie: a deep tank with short plants) require more lumens.

[^imp^]

The GE plant and aquarium bulbs are fine. The specialty bulbs found in pet stores are unnecessary.

^iMp^