Question
I know you guys are against terrariums but would this fish tanks fluorescent lamp be enough light for nepenthes I know they will out grow eventually? Here is the link http://m.petsmart.com/mt/www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3804448

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Ishan,

This tank has one 15 watt fluorescent tube.  It's not bright enough.  You would need a minimum of two of those lights, three would be even better.  A lesson most carnivorous plant growers learn the hard way is that you can't skimp on lighting.  Carnivorous plants are high-light plants.

Here's a better way that is even cheaper, and more effective.  It just doesn't look as snazzy.  Buy two ten gallon tanks without hoods.  You could probably find these easily at second hand stores for next to nothing.  Then go buy a two-tube shoplight fixture.  I prefer the "Lights of America" brand, but this isn't crucial.  Use either 40 watt cool-white, T-12 tubes, or Cool-White, T-8 tubes (32 watt I think?  They have more lumens per watt).  Put your two tanks side by side and set the light on top.  Use some transparent material to partially cover the tanks, but provide some ventilation.  Put your light on a timer and you're good to go.  Add a second shoplight and you could grow nearly any tropical in those tanks that fit.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com