View Full Version : incandescent vs flourescent
jcm1229
11-10-2003, 10:30 AM
I have a friend thats starting up a 10G with an old setup. The hood held 2 incandescent bulbs. Should I get them 2 replacements. OR They have 10W power compact retrofits. If they go this route will that contribute to too much algae?? This will be fish only and NO live plants.
Which bulbs should they get???
Thanks!
mogurnda
11-10-2003, 10:43 AM
No plants? Then go with a low-wattage (15 W normal output or 13 W compact fluorescent) retrofit. Incandescent puts out too much heat.
MrGoodbytes
11-10-2003, 2:00 PM
I agree. It's not necessary to have a lot of light over the tank if there aren't any plants. Too much will just add to any problems.
tricksterpup
11-10-2003, 3:36 PM
Having the old incandescent hood is fine. Do not worry at all about this. You can go to walmart and they sell power compact screw bulbs in the pet dept for roughly $4. Your if you go to your LFS they could even get you the coral life bulbs for a higher price but I have had no problems with the walmart bulbs. The bulbs that are offered are 10 watt bulbs. These bulbs tend to save money on electricity and last longer than incandescent bulbs.
jim
I use the screw in flourescents in my 10 gallon and they do great for gorwing plants. They are 13 watts each, so I have 2.6 watts per gallon. Not as great a light as a true flourescent tube but a lot cheaper than getting a new hood.
Milton Friedman
11-11-2003, 1:18 AM
I agree with many above. I highly recommend you use incandescent in any tank. They simply emit so much heat. If unattended and left on too long, it can be a fire hazard. Get compact florescent screw in's.. Try and get low watts since you have no plants. If it’s too high, you will get an algae problem.
rainbowprizimz
11-11-2003, 9:59 AM
I would have to also agree with some above, although it realy depends on your situation. I use florescent in my 10 & 20 gals and incandescent in my 2 gal Hex.
The reason I use the incandescent in my 2 gal is for the simple fact of heat. I don't have to use a heater because the bulb keeps it at a steady 78 degrees during the day, and the temp drops overnight to only 72-74.
But I don't like the yellowish hue that low wattage incandescents put off, therefore if I were going to go with a crisper clearer looking light it would definatly be florescent.
SweetWun
11-21-2003, 8:26 PM
Originally posted by rainbowprizimz
The reason I use the incandescent in my 2 gal is for the simple fact of heat. I don't have to use a heater because the bulb keeps it at a steady 78 degrees during the day, and the temp drops overnight to only 72-74.
I have a heating problem. How long should i leave my light on for a 2 gal hex tank? My tank is heated at approx. 72 C but when i leave my light on and come home from work it's up to the mid 80's! I only have 2 dwarf frogs in there, but I'm afraid it's getting too hot for them. :eek:
aquariumfishguy
11-21-2003, 8:48 PM
You dont need a light or heater for a small tank with frogs...not the small african dwarf ones. I have these guys in small tanks without a heater and they typically live for 7+ years. ;)
SweetWun
11-21-2003, 8:57 PM
Originally posted by aquariumfishguy
You dont need a light or heater for a small tank with frogs...not the small african dwarf ones. I have these guys in small tanks without a heater and they typically live for 7+ years. ;)
Really? the person at the fish store said they needed to be in a warm tank, at about 70 C. so should i take out the heater and not use the light?
I assume you meant 70F and not celsius. I would remove the heater from that small of a tanka nd just use the light when you are home for view the little guys.
aquariumfishguy
11-22-2003, 9:32 AM
haha! I just looked on my thermometer and seen that 70 C. is like 150 Degrees F. so yeah, I too assume you mean F.
...but most peoples house is around 70 or so in the winter so I would assume he'd be OK without a heater or whatever. Like I said, I have had mine for around 7 years or so and they have no heater/filter/lighting besides what nature provides through the window. I feed mine once a day...or sometimes every other day and change the water out every saturday (hey, its that time again!) Anyways, my home is about 77 degrees F. year round as I dont even have the heat on in the winter (walls are heated by hot water pipes!) so thats strange LOL..:p
SweetWun
11-22-2003, 9:50 AM
Originally posted by aquariumfishguy
haha! I just looked on my thermometer and seen that 70 C. is like 150 Degrees F. so yeah, I too assume you mean F.
:p haha yes. I did mean 70F. I've unplugged my heater and turned off the light and now it's standing at 77F. Poor little guys were in 84F water at one point!:(