Correct lighting for a 10 gallon tank...

[hb3133]

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I am still trying to get my lighting situation under control. I recently bought a 10 gallon tank which included an incadescent hood. I went to the local Ace hardware and bought these two 10 watt fluorescent bulbs. The clerk told me they were flourescent and I even called GE to confirm. I am still worried they are general use bulbs. They lights seem dim and light looks like ordianry incadescent light. Could some kind souls check out the web page and let me know if I am just being paranoid?


http://genet.geappliances.com/LightProducts/Dispatcher?REQUEST=CONSUMERSPECPAGE&PRODUCTCODE=49807

[hb3133]

Nowhere on the package does it say fluorescent. The top of the package said general use. On the actual bulb, it says the following:

GE Helical 10W
120 VAC 60 Hz 140 mA
FLE 10HT3/2/SW

Followed by a upper case "F" with one lower case "c" inside a upper case "C".


I already return one set to Wal-mart and I would have to return another.

[phanmc]

Those are compact fluorescent bulbs but the color temperature is a low soft white.

If you can, try finding these bulbs which will provide a much brighter white:

http://genet.geappliances.com/LightProducts/Dispatcher?REQUEST=CONSUMERSPECPAGE&PRODUCTCODE=47466

[Cathy G]

If you have a Walmart around - who doesn't these days... check out the compact flourescent bulbs. Look for the "Daylight" brand. They come in 10 or 15 wts. and are full spectrum. I think they sell for $4.44 a piece. They also sell a 10wt in the aquarium section that is full spectrum. Both these bulbs work great over 10gs.
Cathy

[hb3133]

Great. I returned the other soft fluorescents and went to Walmart to get the 10 Watt CFL. They only had the 15 watt 2 pack so I decided to try them. Can you hook up a timer or is that unsafe?

[Signus]

most people reccomend putting a timer on your fishtank just to make sure algae doesn't get out of hand between cleanings.