lighting a 5 gallon aquarium

[stlouiscards8]

I am trying to start a new 5 gallon planted aquarium for a betta. The hood that I have is older but I want to use a compact fluorescent bulb. It has room for only one bulb. I am honestly confused about the compact fluorescent bulbs and the difference between the actual wattage and the wattage that is used. (for example a 100 watt bulb only uses 23 watts) I have also heard that the watts per gallon rule doesn't work very well for tanks smaller than 20 gallons.

So, I guess my questions are:
1) Should I use compact fluorescent bulbs?
2) What would be the actual wattage that I would need for a 5 gallon aquarium?
3) How many lumens would I need?
4) Should it be natural or daylight color?

 

[I'mHooked]

So, I guess my questions are:
1) Should I use compact fluorescent bulbs?
2) What would be the actual wattage that I would need for a 5 gallon aquarium?
3) How many lumens would I need?
4) Should it be natural or daylight color?

(1) Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFB) work great for growing plants. They do get a little warm, so over a 5 gallon it might heat up the water somewhat, but for your betta that will be fine.
(2) Depending on what types of plants you're going to grow in your 5 gallon, you should shoot for 2-3 watts per gallon. With a CFB, you use the actual wattage of the bulb, not the incandescent equivalent. I woud use a 10-15w CFB for your tank.
(3) I wouldn't get too technical with lumens over such a small tank. Read the stickie regarding lumens and lighting if you want more info on this.
(4) You're going to want a bulb from 5,500k to 10,000k. This is the best spectrum for growing plants. Look for a daylight bulb at around 6,700K.

Hope this helps.

 

[calichai]

I have a compact florecent light for my 6 gallon tank. I am using jbj nanocube 6 and am having great results with the tank. Its been up 3 years. I am new to the forums and will post a pic later.