Lumens and watts

[mach10]

Hi I am new to the site and am building an algae scrubber. I see a lot of talk on here about the watts of florescent bulbs, but what about the lumens? Do the lumens of the bulbs matter? I was planning on using 24", 20 watt, T-12 bulbs, but the cheapest ones I found for aquariums/plants have less lumens then more expensive ones.
Thanks

[inkidu]

Welcome to the site.

"Do the lumens of the bulbs matter?"

Sure but use that only as a guide line there are many other factors.

My two cents

Use a t-12 bulb only if you have no other choice.

T-12 bulbs are an old technology and there are better choices out there.

Read through the FAQs section.

These bulbs are on sale.

http://www.buylighting.com/23-Watt-R40- ... e49371.htm (http://www.buylighting.com/23-Watt-R40-Compact-Fluorescent-Flood-2700K-p/e49371.htm)

Another tip.

When you think you have roughen the screen enough

roughen it some more.

If you feel like more diy work then I kind of like these

http://www.buylighting.com/13-Watt-Twin ... s20331.htm (http://www.buylighting.com/13-Watt-Twin-Tube-2-Pin-2700K-Warm-White-p/s20331.htm)

The bulb will need to be completely isolated from the water, ballast, reflector, and socket.

They will be cheap to replace though at $1.95 a piece.

Hope this helps.