bulb question

[Pointy_kitty]

this may sound very stupid but i have a standard 18" 15W light on my 20gallon
i want to up it to a 40-50W for my plants
the stupid question.....
is there a difference between regular florescent bulbs and a tank bulb?
i ask because i cannot find an 18" 40W ANYWHERE
and if i did i'd be looking at, at least $40
my father said he wants to go to canadian tire where a florescent would be $17 MAX
is there a difference or are the LFS trying to rip people off?

if i can't use one from canadian tire i'm looking at having to chuck my clinging to life plants and replace them with........
*shudder*
plastic.................

 

[thecichlidaddict]

There is a difference between standard flourescent bulbs and good aquarium bulbs meant for use with plants, but if you are not using co2 standard daylight bulbs should work well enough. You won't find an 18" bulb more then 20 watts, and will need to add a second fixture if you want to double the amount of light on the tank. You also have the option of purchasing a power compact light fixture. Planted tanks are not cheap, there is no way around it.