Can I use an aquarium with an aquarium light as a little greenhouse for my seedlings?

[Denise in VA]

Will the aquarium light act as a grow light?

[momo4]

I am posting hoping someone will answer this if it is up a little higher. I was going to get rid of ours, but if I could grow things in it I would keep it. Good question!

[GothicGyrl]

YES!!! Glass aquariums are wonderful terrariums. They retain moisture so well, that your plants will grow...

As for the aquarium light--I'm not sure, but maybe something with UVB rays emitted from it would work better. I know for my turtles, they need the UVB light to help build calcium in their shells, and since UVB is important to growth, I can't imagine it being different for plants.

However, I have grown plants in my aquarium with no light and had good success. Not big plants, but things like basil, spices...

[Claire]

I used to grow seedlings and plants under lights. As I recall, the light needs to be very close to the top of the plants. An aquarium should work as long as you raise the seedlings up, lowering them as they grow so that their tops are always within 2 inches or so of the light. Flourescent lights work well for plants, and the glass enclosure should keep the humidity levels nice.

[Jann in TX]

plants will do much better under these instead of the cheap regular florescents.

[TRILLIUM]

Whether you need full spectrum, or simply regular uv lights depends on what your growing and how long. Seed started for a summer garden and kept under lights only 6weeks or so are fine with regular lights. Try to keep the lights 2" above the plant. If by seedings you mean growing from seeds watch out for damping off in your aquarium. Damping off is a fungus thing. Once your seedlings emerge the surface moisture must not be too high. I personally prefer more open flats with good circulation.

Here's a website with a complete discussion of seed starting. http://www.gardeners.com/How+to+Start+Seeds/5062,default,pg.html