New Tank Lighting Options

[Jen]

I have a small leak in my 5 gal betta tank, and I don't want to leave it too much longer. I was looking around in my fish store, and I don't know what is the best route.

I have a 10 gal tank, but no hood. I can get a flourescent hood that holds a 15w tube for $45, or I can get an incandescent hood for $30. I can screw in 2 of those flourescent bulbs that have the twisty tubes. they are 10 watts each. (does that make sence?)

Is it ok to do that? put flourescent bulbs into an incandescent holder?

 

[TammyLiz]

I have a small leak in my 5 gal betta tank, and I don't want to leave it too much longer. I was looking around in my fish store, and I don't know what is the best route.

I have a 10 gal tank, but no hood. I can get a flourescent hood that holds a 15w tube for $45, or I can get an incandescent hood for $30. I can screw in 2 of those flourescent bulbs that have the twisty tubes. they are 10 watts each. (does that make sence?)

Is it ok to do that? put flourescent bulbs into an incandescent holder?

I've done it before. They sell them at the LFS if you're worried about spectrum, but they are expensive.

I think its actually a better lighting option than the single tube because you'll have higher wattage. And it will cost the same amount or less once you buy the bulbs.

 

[lljdma06]

Yeah I've done them before myself Just don't remove the metal reflectors, the plastic hood will melt if you do. Don't ask how I found out...

Oooo, that had to hurt! I won't ask. I've used them before too, Jen. The CFs with that are U-shaped distribute light better than the curly-Q shaped ones, at least I have found. They also take up less space. For the amount of money that you spend on a bulb, you really save, however, on efficiency and hours of operation. You'll still only have 20W over 10g, which isn't much light. I won't envy the betta, however, he's going to get a great home.

llj

 

[Jen]

Awesome. Thanks guys. I could try to put the 40 watt bulbs in there, but i think the connector thing is too big.

 

[Jen]

I was stupid today. I bought the new hood, but didnt try it on my tank until the tank was full. needless to say, the hood is small by about 1/4" all the way around. So tomorrow, I will have to go buy the proper tank, and strike this one and start all over again.

Grrr

 

[lljdma06]

I was stupid today. I bought the new hood, but didnt try it on my tank until the tank was full. needless to say, the hood is small by about 1/4" all the way around. So tomorrow, I will have to go buy the proper tank, and strike this one and start all over again.

Grrr

Quoth the venerable Homer Simpson..."DOH!"

llj