Lighting question

[nmarc3627]

I am going to take a stab at growing live plants again and I need to know where I can find a 24" 40 watt flourescent light fixture online. I have visited lots of sites and they don't make a 24" 40 watt fixture. The 24" ones with two tubes don't give a wattage amount on them so I am clueless. The pet stores where I am are usless so I must rely on internet stores. I am also assuming I need a spectrum of about 600-700 nm. Also, I have regular plain old sand. Can anyone give me some advice of what good plant growing substrate I can add to it. Thanks
Edit: also, how many k's do I need? I am I right to guess about 5000-6000k?

 

[guppygirl]

Hi, nmarc3627!

There is no 24" 40watt fixture, however you can use two double 18 watt fixtures. How big is your tank?
BTW, yes, the range is 5000 to 6700K.

 

[nmarc3627]

My tank is a 20 H. Do you know of any online stores that sell 2 18 watt flourescent fixtures? thanks
Edit: Also, when looking at a twin tube fixture on the internet, it says 20 watts on it. Does that mean 2 20 watt bulbs or 2 10 watt bulbs?

 

[guppygirl]

Oh sorry. I mean 15 watt. 15watts are 18" long. )
Ya, there are some that are 2 20watts, and some that are 2 15 watts. I'm getting 2 twin tube fixtures for my 20H. That should give me 80 watts or exactly 4 wpg. I am so excited!!
Foster and Smith is great for things... I've ordered many things from them, they always are very good about the order and ship the right things. I would definitely recommend them.
Good luck!!
Robin
EDIT: It means two 20 watt bulbs.

 

[Nisha]

Many people retrofit their hood with kits from this place: AH Supply. They are tried and true by many fish enthusiasts.