Too much light??

Changing the amount of light will cause the fish to hide for a little while, until they get used to the new conditions, then they will be out and about like normal.

They are probably hiding because thats extremely BRIGHT for a 10 gallon!

Thats like 8+ watts per gallon...and correct me if I'm wrong, but in standard 10 gallon hoods isnt the max. wattage supposed to be 25 watts?

Are these incandescent, compact fluorescent, flourescent, or power compact lights?

Be prepared for an algae farm if you don't have all of your ferts and co2 in order.

But yes, the fish should get used to it...imagine how much you'd be squinting if someone turned up the sun!

Originally posted by sigmatauntaylor
Question I just bought 2 40W bulbs for my 10g hood (to stimulate plant growth). They go in like so

bulb-- ][ -- bulb

Noticed after about an hour my mollies and platy were hiding in their house in the dark, however my cories were active. Also added some additive for plant growth at the same time. Is this too much light for these poor fellas or could it have been the additive?

Click to expand...

I'm picturing these fish in welding hoods swimming around. :laugh:

If the bulbs are incandescents, you may have a heat problem. Double check check the max wattage on the fixture.

If they are compact fluorescent bulbs (they look like a spiraled or bent white tubing) you may still be violating the max wattage but I would think this would be less of a problem since heat won't be a real factor.

However, with 80 watts of light in a 10g tank you are likely to grow algae that can walk and read unless you're feeding your plants beef.

Two screw in compact fluorescent bulbs with a wattage of 10 each would be plenty for that tank. Its what I used in my 10g and I was able to grow plenty of plants.

Tom

So...did you find the max wattage or what your using? I assumed regular bulbs by the way you talked but RTR asked a good question as it makes a difference. We can help you more when we get more info...