Fluorescent Bulbs

[celaeno]

is the bulb above ok for use as aquarium lighting in my unplanted 10g? if so, i plan to use only 1 bulb on the right socket of the hood.

i know coralife also sells compact fluorescent bulbs, but they are for coral growing and also cost $12.99+tax.

 

[confusion]

I did exactly that in my planted 10G. I got 2 25w daylight CF bulbs and the plants are doing great.

 

[celaeno]

i just bought a 14w daylight 5500k compact fluorescent bulb for my 10g. the light seems too bright, so i subdued it with 2 folds of paper towel taped underneath the hood.

will the towel catch fire eventually? the bulb seems to give off some heat.

 

[Meds081603]

Yes, I would imagine the towel will catch fire. It is safe to use the bulb you have as long as the wattage of the bulb does not exceed the wattage of the ballast. Most of those hoods you describe are intended for 15w bulbs so you should be fine!