CFL fixture for a 5gal?

[Albtraum]

I am wanting to set up a 5.5 gallon to be planted, I was wondering what lighting fixture I could use to hang over in a custom hood. I have a desk lamp, but it is too small to reach. Also, what CFL wattage would be ideal?

Or, would you recommend something totally different like a 12" T5 NO setup? LEDs?

I will use common plants; java fern, anubias nana, money wort etc.

[sampster5000]

Any light is a lot of light over a tank so short and skinny. I used a short CFL fixture from catalina aquariums but it was a ton of light. I wanted a ton of light at the time but I wouldnt recommend it now.

You can easily do a shop light fixture with a swirly bulb from home depot. I was able to find some were 5000k. Some people are able to find 6500 or 6700's but good luck with that!

[CatB]

i'd just get another desk lamp, or i have mine propped up on a couple brick paving stones. it's not as ugly as you'd think. i have a 13 watt CFL on my 5.5, but it turned out to be a little much until i got DIY CO2. so maybe something a bit lower, like 8 watts?

[Albtraum]

Thanks Sampster and Catb! I guess 13 watts is a bit much, I suppose I can find a short 8 watt one. And stack up something under the lamp and make it presentable.

[reddhawkk]

I get my cfl's at Walmart; they carry several wattages of 6500k bulbs.

[In.a.Box]

The smallest you will find is 10-13watts.
Go to a light store that sell lamp and what so ever maybe you can get lucky finding something smaller then 13watt

[PlantedRich]

I use 11W 6500K CFL's. They used to be easy to find but seem to be gone from the H.D. /Lowe's places.