How do I get enough light for my 20 gal tank

[mellambie]

Hi,
I recently started a 20 gallon aquarium.I have about 3 inches of gravel, a 100 watt heater, and the 125 penguin power filter with bio-wheel. I am wanting to get some plants such as amazon sword and some type of fern. Right now I have a 24" by 12" hood with 1 flourecsent 15 watt light that I got with the tank. I'm not really sure how much light amazon sword or fern needs so can anybody help me with what lighting I will need.
Thanks for all of your time,
Mel

[sassykat2567]

amazon ferns need moderate lighting. a 20 Watt flourescent Perfecta light would be a good bet, with the amazon and the fern! hope i could help

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[dimoul]

You simply cannot get enough light from the hoods normally sold with a 20 gal. tank. I would suggest making your own hood out of lumber, many designs are available on the net. This design (See link below), in particular, inspired my hood due to its simplicity.
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/2637/index.html

The only adjustment I would make would be to use shoplights sold at any major hardware store. My friend used one shoplight providing 40 watts and I went with two, providing 80 watts for my 20 gal. planted tank. Its been a month and everything is going well so far. I use cheap "aquarium" or "full spectrum" 20 watt (24") bulbs from Wal-Mart. They are just under 6 bucks.