I have a 10 gal planted tank and everything looks nice except ugly cheapo hood. I would like to get something decent for both look and plants. I am thinking about getting 24" nova extreme T5 for freshwater, but would it be looking funny since it is 4" inch longer than the tank? I don't understand why these companies discontinued smaller 18", 20" fixtures. I am open to any suggestion/recommendations. Thanks a lot for your help.
Good lighting fixture for planted 10 gallon?
- Thread starter dinosue
- Start date
I've always gone with the incandescent setups (using spiral CFL bulbs) because they're cheap and effective. But maybe thats too cheap for your tastes.
I use incandescent hoods too.. it's not the prettiest or most powerful system, but it's cheap and versatile.
I don't think they make 20" T5's, but they do make 20" CFLs.. uses 36w bulbs I think.
I don't think they make 20" T5's, but they do make 20" CFLs.. uses 36w bulbs I think.
I just started a 10g planted tank and went with the 2 bulb incandescent fixture with 2 CFLs. Cost effective and works well.
Most of the 20" fixtures I've seen are way more light than I'd want for a 10g. Then again, I'm looking at the 10g as a low tech, low maintenance tank.
Most of the 20" fixtures I've seen are way more light than I'd want for a 10g. Then again, I'm looking at the 10g as a low tech, low maintenance tank.
CrimsonBlush
Attemping to post rather than lurk
I did the same thing....I got this hood http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754548&ab=fish_fci5a and some compact florescent bulbs (make sure you get the DAYLIGHT ones and not the soft touch.) Total cost is around $25. 
Found a new light.
Thanks all for your suggestions. I ended up getting this light
http://shop.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-20in-1x36W-Power-Compact-Light-Fixture-p/51102.htm
I have had the incandescent hood with 2x15W spiral CFL. I was a bit bored by the look, so after a long research, I decided to go with Odyssea PC light.
I know they have a lousy reputation, but it seems that they are getting better over time. Besides, all the lights that I found was either too big or too expensive.
Here are some pictures. I ordered a PC fixture with one 6700K daylight bulb (The fixture came with 50/50). They were shipped separately. I've seen lots of worrysome postings about their shipping/custom service issues, but I am local so I decided to take a risk. If worst comes to worst, I can just drive down. But surprisingly, they were very well-packaged and arrived on the very next day. The hood on the left is the one that I have been using.
It has been on since last night and looking pretty good so far. I also like the look. The fixture also came with two flippable mounting legs.
I will let you know how this light is working out - if something bad happens or it works great. So far so good.
Thanks all for your suggestions. I ended up getting this light
http://shop.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-20in-1x36W-Power-Compact-Light-Fixture-p/51102.htm
I have had the incandescent hood with 2x15W spiral CFL. I was a bit bored by the look, so after a long research, I decided to go with Odyssea PC light.
I know they have a lousy reputation, but it seems that they are getting better over time. Besides, all the lights that I found was either too big or too expensive.
Here are some pictures. I ordered a PC fixture with one 6700K daylight bulb (The fixture came with 50/50). They were shipped separately. I've seen lots of worrysome postings about their shipping/custom service issues, but I am local so I decided to take a risk. If worst comes to worst, I can just drive down. But surprisingly, they were very well-packaged and arrived on the very next day. The hood on the left is the one that I have been using.
It has been on since last night and looking pretty good so far. I also like the look. The fixture also came with two flippable mounting legs.
I will let you know how this light is working out - if something bad happens or it works great. So far so good.
