Tank Mesh and Desk Lamp Suggestions.

[rivermuse]

I have set up a 5.5 gallon tank for a rescued betta. Slowly converting into a planted. Most likely bare bottom with potted plants - have not decided yet. I just want to spend least amount of time on it as I will be traveling a lot this year.

I would like to know if any of you have suggestions for :

1. Some sort of mesh that I can cut and use it as a tank lid which does not prevent light or diffuse it too much from lighting up the plants. ( I tried Michael's the mesh available there is too dense to allow proper lighting).

2. Any desk lamp ideas? . I intend to use 6500K CFL bulb, as I do not want to invest in an expensive LED system at this point.  BTW, if anyone is looking for 6500K CFL bulbs they have it available at Lowe's for about $8.99 for two 100 W equivalent. It is some company I'm not familiar with it. I'm hoping couple of them should be able to grow low-medium light plants.


Thanks