Lighting Question

[DigitalPunk]

For plant growth you need a light that will provide the proper color temps to trigger photosynthesis in the plants. This is achieved in terrariums by using lights that are a minimum of 6500k. A 20L tank is around 30" long, an 18" long light will not be enough to properly light the entire tank. Aquatraders - Guaranteed Best Prices on Aquarium Lightings + Free Shipping! has a good selection of some very very well priced lights that will work for you.

[Tsathoggua]

My reptisun 2.0 is 6700 k. I also have a hood lamp I could add that has an exo terra uvb 100 light. If this I still no good what would you specifically recommend? from the link? I would be more comfortable getting exact recommendations from you instead of picking myself.

[Tsathoggua]

Paul, I think I found something that fits the bill. It's a 30 in t5 with 6500 k. What do you think?

Odyssea T5 Aquarium Lighting

[LilyPad]

I have this one in both 18" and 24" - LED Aquarium Lighting Freshwater Bright - It works great and the prices through them are fantastic.

[Tsathoggua]

Hi Amy. Is LED capable of good plant growth? I am completely new to this so please forgive my naiveté.

[DigitalPunk]

Yes LED lights that are in the 6500k range are excellent for plant growth. I had LED and T5HO lights. Both work great! All my lights came from Aquatraders as well.

The one you linked would work

[Tsathoggua]

Cool, thanks Paul. I'll be ordering either that or an LED setup today.

[Tsathoggua]

Hey Paul, I received the lighting fixture today and hooked it up. It's the exact one I linked to earlier in the thread. It works well but it has increased the temperature in my tank dramatically, to the point where it's far too hot for any frogs. Should I try elevating the light somehow so it isn't resting on the tank?

[LilyPad]

Yes, my plants grow amazing compared to when I used CFL's.

[Tsathoggua]

Thanks Amy. I'm looking over some LEDs right now. Either way I'll be ordering a setup today.

[DigitalPunk]

excellent!