Hello,
Quite literally, I read all the topics on lighting and am more confused now than before! There seems to be a great deal of debate on watts vs. lumens vs. lux, etc.....
However, I wasn't able to find a simple answer to a very important question: What is the best lighting (in terms of watts) for for a 20 gal terrarium?
Question: What is the best lighting for my situation.
Introduction:
1. I have a 20 gal terrarium (24"L, 12"W, 12"H)
2. My only source of lighting will be florescent lighting (compact, tubes, or other). The lighting will sit ontop of a plastic or glass cover ~ 6" above the plants.
3. I will cover the sides of the tank with reflective material, and will put a fan in the tank to reduce heat. Thus, aesthetic issues such as excessive brightness or light color are not issues.
4. I will (or at least try) to grow all types of CPs (neps, sar, butterworts, sundews, heliamphora). The species I will chose will be small, hardy and for beginners.
Materials & Methods (two options):
1. 1 - 2 double fixtures each holding two 20W tubes.
Total W = 40 - 80
2. 1 - 8 single fixtures each holding 23W compact.
Total W = 23 - 183
3. Other?
a. I've heard about Florex lights, street lights, and other
forms of florescent. Any information on this would be
appreciated.
Summary:
Wattage using the options above can range from 40 - 180. What is the best wattage to use? Obviously, the answer will determine what setup I use. Any recommendations on alternative approaches to florescent lighting (using street lights, florex, etc) would be appreciated.
I've decided on my plants, now all I need is a little help with lighting. I'm sure that as I become more experienced, issues such as light quality (spectrum, soft/warm) will become more of an issue, but for now, I only care about WATTAGE !!!
Most importantly, thank you all for your time and patience with me.
Quite literally, I read all the topics on lighting and am more confused now than before! There seems to be a great deal of debate on watts vs. lumens vs. lux, etc.....
However, I wasn't able to find a simple answer to a very important question: What is the best lighting (in terms of watts) for for a 20 gal terrarium?
Question: What is the best lighting for my situation.
Introduction:
1. I have a 20 gal terrarium (24"L, 12"W, 12"H)
2. My only source of lighting will be florescent lighting (compact, tubes, or other). The lighting will sit ontop of a plastic or glass cover ~ 6" above the plants.
3. I will cover the sides of the tank with reflective material, and will put a fan in the tank to reduce heat. Thus, aesthetic issues such as excessive brightness or light color are not issues.
4. I will (or at least try) to grow all types of CPs (neps, sar, butterworts, sundews, heliamphora). The species I will chose will be small, hardy and for beginners.
Materials & Methods (two options):
1. 1 - 2 double fixtures each holding two 20W tubes.
Total W = 40 - 80
2. 1 - 8 single fixtures each holding 23W compact.
Total W = 23 - 183
3. Other?
a. I've heard about Florex lights, street lights, and other
forms of florescent. Any information on this would be
appreciated.
Summary:
Wattage using the options above can range from 40 - 180. What is the best wattage to use? Obviously, the answer will determine what setup I use. Any recommendations on alternative approaches to florescent lighting (using street lights, florex, etc) would be appreciated.
I've decided on my plants, now all I need is a little help with lighting. I'm sure that as I become more experienced, issues such as light quality (spectrum, soft/warm) will become more of an issue, but for now, I only care about WATTAGE !!!
Most importantly, thank you all for your time and patience with me.