special light for plants

what type of florescent light is the best to grow plants and warm frogs? Is there a special kind, or should i just use the cheapest florescent light I can find?

im having the same problem with that. people keep on telling me different things so i dont know what to do.

Keep in mind that you usually get what you pay for. Time and time again people on this board mention AH Supply, and for good reason. Call them up and ask their advice. I have found them to be extremely helpful, and I couldn't be happier with their lights.

[khoff]

Like several people have mentioned in other threads, I just use full spectrum sunshine bulbs from home depot. They cost $6 + shoplight(48") fixture $10-15. My plants grow like weeds. Even with these lights I have problems with them heating the tanks too much, so I can only imagine the heat compact fluorescents give out. The light isn't beneficial to the frogs, especially because a glass or plastic top blocks any UV rays produced. Putting high wattage compact fluorescents in dart tanks just seems excessive. The rainforest floor is rather dim. I can understand that people use it for their intense light craving plants, but even my bromeliads are doing great under a shoplight with two of the "Sunshine" bulbs. I don't think the compact fluorescents are worth the extra cost, but that is just my personal opinion.

[Arklier]

I have a CF fixture on my 27G. It doesn't have a problem with heat because it sits up on legs and there are cooling fans in the fixture.

you think a 15watt florescent light will do fine in a 10 gallon viv...

[JJuchems]

They work great. I do the same as Kevin and my plants grow like weeds also.
Later and Happy Frogging,
Jason Juchems

Sorry i confused you.

To keep it simple:
You need a light (any kind) that puts out a color close to 5000k - 6500k. This will be listed on the bulb. Thats about it.

As far as watts go you want to get as many as you can without overheating the tank.

I heard you mention a lamp and i am assuming you are talking about a screw in bulb. These will work if you have the right color light but i would never recommend them. They get very very very hot.

If you posted what kind of hood/light fixture you have on the tank i am sure we can come up with exact names and bulb sizes for you.

I am in no way affiliaty with ahsupply but i cannot recommend the kits they offer enough. They have everything you need all in one package for a reasonable price.

What do you mean by sunshine bulbs, are they just a regular light bulb or are they a tube light? So I won't find any lights at the pet store or home depot that are for growing plants, and any artificial light will grow the plants? Still confused...

So I won't find any lights at the pet store or home depot that are for growing plants

Yes home depot and the pet store have plant lights. I believe sunshine bulbs are the brand name. Just look at the color the bulb puts out. 5000k-6500k color is what you are looking for.