View Full Version : Need Lighting Help
kjr928
10-17-2008, 4:09 PM
My brother is planning on setting up a planted 10g, and is trying to make it economical.
He wants to get a standard 10g hood fixture and then get some of these lights from Walmart : http://lite-eco.com/oem/cfl.html
We're just not sure which one would be best - It says that one of these 7W bulbs is the equivalent to a regular 40W bulb. So does that mean he really only needs a 7W?
It also says some stuff about it needing only 12V of power and not the standard 110V. Will it be safe to use in a hooded fixture like this one? http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754544
Also, some of them have a ballast and some don't, does my brother need a ballast?
Thanks for your help, oh wise ones.
I wouldnt touch them at all, you wont be able to use 12v CFLs like a normal bulb.
Instead goto lowes/home depot and pickup the 23watt 6500k daylight CFLs. They have a nice color and will grow plants. A pair shouldnt cost more than $10-11 before tax.
kjr928
10-17-2008, 4:57 PM
I wouldnt touch them at all, you wont be able to use 12v CFLs like a normal bulb.
Instead goto lowes/home depot and pickup the 23watt 6500k daylight CFLs. They have a nice color and will grow plants. A pair shouldnt cost more than $10-11 before tax.
Awesome, thanks so much. Those will fit into a standard 10g tank hood right?
Appreciate your help!
K8
Although for just a little more you could get a glass lid and set of T-5's.
phanmc
10-17-2008, 5:02 PM
The CFL lights with an incandescent hood is a good cheap alternative for lighting.
You'll want the CFLs with integrated ballasts, that will ensure it will work with all sockets.
When determining wattage, go by the actual wattage of the bulb rather than the comparable wattage. The 7w bulbs aren't going to be enough, get at least the 14w ones.
Another important thing to consider about the bulb is color. Most CFLs are cool white which is quite yellow. If you want a whiter looking tank look for bulbs marked daylight or full spectrum, if they have the K rating look for something with around 6,500k.
kjr928
10-17-2008, 5:02 PM
Although for just a little more you could get a glass lid and set of T-5's.
I don't know what that is. Can you send me a link?! It needs to work for plants!
I don't know what that is. Can you send me a link?! It needs to work for plants!
They are a size of fluorescent lighting, but I do not see any cheap setups for a 10 gallon. :(
kjr928
10-17-2008, 5:10 PM
They are a size of fluorescent lighting, but I do not see any cheap setups for a 10 gallon. :(
ok thanks anyway bf
severum mama
10-17-2008, 5:27 PM
Try these bulbs in the incandescent hood. It's probably your cheapest option.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+9870&pcatid=9870
:)
kjr928
10-17-2008, 7:57 PM
THanks so much to all of you!
oblongshrimp
10-17-2008, 10:40 PM
you get a lot of restrike with the spirial bulbs. Unless you have a good reflector your going to be losing a lot of light. For a 10gal though that might be your best option. If you get a 24" or longer tank at some point I highly recommend the coralife T-5 aqualights. It seems to be hard to find a good light for a 10gal tank.
you get a lot of restrike with the spirial bulbs. Unless you have a good reflector your going to be losing a lot of light. For a 10gal though that might be your best option. If you get a 24" or longer tank at some point I highly recommend the coralife T-5 aqualights. It seems to be hard to find a good light for a 10gal tank.
Maybe not the coralife fixtures, they dont make HO T5 only normal output.