Question
QUESTION: Hi, i had a question about lighting.  When germinating seeds can i use a repitle light for lighting?  (indoor and outdoor plant seeds)  Thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Dustin,
Thanx for your question. When you say reptile light, is that a flourscent?  I use 40-watt shop lights (flourescents that are 48in in length).  I think 40-watt is good, anything less will not be enough to give the seedlings the light they need to thrive.  I hope this helps.
Tom

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QUESTION: yse, they would be *40 watt flourscent* compact lights.  **All the following are about the lights you described**  Where could i get the lights your dexcribing?  How much area do they cover?  I was going to start lots of flowers with those seed starting trays.  (About 10 to 15 trays)  How many lights would i need?  How much per light w/ bulb?  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Dustin,
Thanx for the additional information.  Several years ago, my brother and I built a germination stand.  It is four feet wide, about 2 feet deep and has 5 shelves.  I suspend a 4 foot long 40 watt, double flourescent shop light above each shelf (the lights are about $11 at Walmart).  Four of the 10X20in black flats will fit into each shelf.  Four shelves would house 16 trays.  I also bought a shelving unit from Home Depot, five shelves, 2 feet wide by 4 feet long and it houses my seed flats nicely (16).  I have had good performance from this system and germinated 1000s of vegetable and flower seedlings.  Each of your flourscent bulbs should be 40watts.  I hope this helps.
Tom