[Pcroal1128]

I know there are tons of lighting questions out there but i cant find a real clear answer. Would a single 18" bulb on a 18x18x24 exo be enough light. If so which light should i get?

 

[GRIMM]

It depends on what your goals are...If you want to have a nice colourful lush tank, a single tube will not be enough. If you are content with keeping low light plants alive and having the minimum amount of light needed, then it should do just fine.

 

[Pumilo]

It depends on lighting system too. T 12s would be rather dim. T5 would support pothos and simple things. Power Compact or Compact florescent would support a lot of things but would have more heat output than a pair of T-5s. I don't care for the diminished output you get from shorter, (less than 2 ft.) single tubes, however. On an 18 I would look into power compact. Even a shorter power compact would give more light than an 18" T5.

 

[Pcroal1128]

What if i had two fixtures like these

Zilla - Where Reptiles Rule » Reflector Dome | Products

and put a 6500 daylight bulb in each. Would that be enough?

 

[Pumilo]

What if i had two fixtures like these

Zilla - Where Reptiles Rule » Reflector Dome | Products

and put a 6500 daylight bulb in each. Would that be enough?

I'm unfamiliar with it. Are you talking about those twisted, power compact bulbs for it? What wattage?

 

[Pcroal1128]

well basically i know nothing about lighting and i have and 18" hood and two of those basic bulb reflectors lying around and was just wondering what lighting i could use with those that would work or if im going to need to get a new fixture.

thanks

 

[deboardfam]

I use just a single of the larger spiral compact flourescent bulbs (think its 26w) from wal mart.. was like $5.90 for a two pack. I have that over my 18x18x24 and things are doing pretty well.

 

[ryan10517]

if you do go the reflector dome route, make sure you get the big ones! the small ones hardly are ever big enough to hold a cfl, and the top of it sticks out so they never lay flush. btw, hardware stores have them for a lot cheaper!

 

[gundaman]

what about t8? i got 2 48" covering over 4 tanks.