spiral fluorescent ?

The screw in ones don't require a magnetic or electronic ballast. They're designed to just replace your incandescants. You might want to think about total cost for parts before you jump in. I count them as 13 watts. My compact fluorescent is a 36w bulb so that's what I count. They're just trying to equate what bulb it compares to when they say 13=75 (or whatnot).

Add up all the fixtures, lights, and parts (wires, switches, wire caps/solder ,and grounded power cable) before you do it. That will tell you where to go next (may be cheaper to buy a retrofit kit).

A few blue leds aren't that hard to install yourself (less chance of killing yourself and your fish). There are several articles about the net on adding leds for projects so I would hit up google for that.

Also, if you're thinking of 2wpg you might want to put something in that grows really fast to outpace algae. I have about 1.8 wpg now. When I first set up my tank I hung my old 15w hood light above the tank in conjunction with my 36w (2.5wpg). And had algae everywhere because I didn't have enough fast growing plants. I added wisteria and everything seems fine now.


-Russ

The other thing is that those spiral bulbs (and I use them) are a little less efficient than standard tubes. Due to their spiral construction some of the light gets blocked. But they are still a great light source and I am setting up a new hood for my 29 gallon with them.

And yes, they are 13 watts when figuring out total wattage on the tank. You can get much brigter ones as well. I run 2 14 watts on my ten gallon with an amazon sword, java moss and a java fern. And they grow really well.

I have actually gone this route on several of my 20 gallon tnaks in the past and it has worked quite well.

Do cost out the materials, they can add up. Also, look/shop around for the spiral compacts as they come in different wattages. 13 W is fairly common, as are the 23 or 25 watt versions. I used the 23 or 25 watt versions over my 20 gallons so I only needed 2 bulbs. Even two 23 watt bulbs was over 2w/gallon and I was able to grow most plants easily. You definitely need a reflector with those bulbs because of the design and how they throw lots of light everywhere!

I'd also recommend lots of ventilation or a fan. Ultimately, I quit using these bulbs as they do tend to produce lots of heat and the heat dramatically reduces their life.

Best of luck,

Cheap light

I retrofitted my 20 gal hood to take spirals and used 2-26 watt 5000k bulbs. I used aluminum foil for a reflector. The plants did great but the tank did get a little warm during the summer (82F on hot, humid days). Most of the spirals sold at chain stores are in the 2000 - 2500k range - not so good with plants. There are a few internet sites that have a good selection of screw in spirals in the 5000-6500k range.

The setup worked so well I'm currently making a 6-bulb custom hood for a 46 gal bowfront that I just moved everything to. I'm planning 6x23 W 5000K lights for 3W/gal. I ordered an 3" AC fan for this one - $14. I got the bulbs for just over $4 each. The bulbs, fan, wood, fixtures, wiring, and mirror reflectors will total less than $70 for 138 watts! Pretty cheap if you look at what's out there.

I think better reflectors and fan will help. Another nice feature is that I can mix and match bulb for any desired wattage once it's complete. With six sockets, any combination is easy.