Lighting for a 5.5 gallon

[StarStruck8]

Instead of getting another Eclipse6 I decided to build my betta a new home from scratch. I bought a 5.5 gallon since I think my dad would have flipped if I went any larger. However, I'm having trouble finding a light fixture for it! The only lights I found were:

Galaxy Compact Fluorescent Lights (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=8154&pvid=31643&productnum=0011937)
Coralife Freshwater 9" Mini Aqualight-2 x 9W
(http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18369/si1383410/cl0/coralifefreshwater9miniaqualight2x9w)
The second one is shorter than the 16" length of the tank, so I'm thinking its not the best option. I want to have a low light setup for him to frolic in. Would be cheaper to buy something like this 6 gallon glass tank (http://www.dtpetsupplies.com/catalog/Aquariums-And-Stands/Mini-Aquarium-Systems/Mini-Glass-Aquariums/6-Gallon-Glass-Tank-from-Jalli-Corporation-Comes-with-single-24-watt-Power-Compact-light/) with a light fixture included? Then I would have to worry about a top so he doesn't jump out!

Maybe I should just go with the 10 gallon after all..it seems so much simplier! :headshake2:

[zerojoe0917]

i have a coralife freshwater 9", it gets very very hot easily, so might want to think it over

[AshK]

Cover: get cheap plastic craft mesh from a craft store. It comes in a variety of colors, I use the translucent white. It costs $.39 for a piece that can be cut with scissors to cover the tank.

Lighting: Go to any dollar store and get a cheap desk lamp with a bendable neck. Buy a full spectrum/daylight/noon sun bulb from the same dollar store and put it in the desk lamp. Angle the neck of the light over the tank. They sell bulbs in multi packs, and 13 watts would allow you to grow a large variety of plants.

Total cost: less than $15

[Fishy_Fun]

I use a shoplight over all my 5.5's

[gmh]

That 6 gallon is nice but too pricey for me. 10 gallon would be most bang for the buck and that extra room will be nice. Dad may go along if you point out the cost is about the same to equip a 10 gallon as a 5.5.

[StarStruck8]

That 6 gallon is nice but too pricey for me. 10 gallon would be most bang for the buck and that extra room will be nice. Dad may go along if you point out the cost is about the same to equip a 10 gallon as a 5.5.

Its more of a space issue than money...I think my dad has come to realize it is a fairly expensive hobby. :grinyes: Plus, he restores '69 Camaros for his hobby, so I only have to remind him how much he paid for a bolt!

I found a 16" All Glass fluorescent strip at Petco, so I decided to pick it up and save myself the trouble. Thanks for the replies!

[Cory Keeper]

Lighting fer nano tanks huh, If your looking to plants, I may create a High Power Retrofit kit for complete simpletons to install. I have a 5g that I just can't get lighting right with CFLs, its either not enough, or too much. I think 2 or 3 little high power LEDs would work wonders on that tank.