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I have a 10 gallon tank that I want to plant. I have the plain 15 watt single strip light that came with the hood, and I want a bit more light so I can get some decent growth. They sell Compact Flourescent bulbs that screw into incandescent light fixtures (I also have a 10 gallon hood with an incandescent fixture). So I bought two 13 watt compact flourescent light bulbs and put them in the incandescent fixture. So theoretically that should equal a 26 watt light, correct? However, while the tank itself has more light, the lights color is closer to that of an incandescent fixture (more yellowish, that white). Is this cost saving technique effective? Or am I better off with the single strip light? Right now I just have some anacharis in there, but I want to plant it with other kinds eventually. No C02, but I will be attempting my first use of liquid ferts once I get the lights sorted. Any ideas?

the reason the color is yellower is because the color temperature(K) is low probably 2700k which is unsuitable for plants. i suggest u go back and look for a bulb with a 6500k rating or close to it

Hi,
Resle is correct in his diagnosis of the light.
Here is an ad for the screw-in compact fluorescent bulbs:

http://www.1000bulbs.com/product.php?product=1086

Note the chart along the right side of the bulb. As the
Kelvin Temperature goes lower, the light becomes more
"reader" friendly and goes from stark white, which is
also called DAYLIGHT or SUNLIGHT down through "shades"
of white into the warm white and cool white areas.

One of the problems with fluorescents is that the light
can be harsh and glaring. This can cause office workers
to get headaches. They even make a coating for those
who wear glasses and work in fluorescent environments
to filter out the glare.

However, the "glare" is what we want for our aquariums.
We want bulbs that are rated DAYLIGHT or SUNLIGHT. They
fall in the 6500-6700K rating which is a perfect blend
for plants, fish, and for our viewing.

I suspect you bought warm or cool white lights. Take them
back and go to any hardware store and get the right ones.

Frank

-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

actually thats exactly wat i said the link even proves it, down by the 2700 and lower range the color gets yellow so i dont know where ur coming from

Yeah, thanks for the info. These are 3000K. It's too bad, I actually kind of like the look. They aren't too expensive, so I'll probably pick up the right type soon.