10 gallon lighting

[nursie]

I am starting my 10 gallon tank back up. The hood I have has 1 15 watt flourescent tube in it. Are there bulbs to fit this that get up over 15 watts.
Also...does it do any good to line the inside with foil to reflect light?

 

[tuvok]

For a 10g tank, due to its low height, you probably don't need more than 15w to get good plant growth. I am by no means an expert though so if anyone else has experience with lighting small tanks please feel free to impart some knowledge.

 

[Kasakato]

Its too low to grown plants. You need al least 30w for low light. There are no blulbs that are a high wattage that will fit your hood.

 

[SCU33ZE]

Plants will grow in you tank,low light types are the ones to choose in your case. Dont be afraid if 15W. I have some plants grwong nicely in my 12g.
Since you have a 10g it doesnt take as much penetrating power than on a bigger tank.

You can also search out some retrofit kit out there which utilize compact fluorescents.

 

[SCU33ZE]

heres a nice kit

32W 15" PC retrofit

J.A

 

[tuvok]

Or, if you have the guts, you could try something like this:

http://members.tripod.com/~andygags/10galhood.htm

 

[Kasakato]

Or, if you have the guts, you could try something like this:

http://members.tripod.com/~andygags/10galhood.htm

What a mess!

 

[nursie]

Well, I guess I'll see how it goes. I have all low light plants. I'll like the top with foil, and I do have a lamp next to it.
The retro kits always seem so expensive. I'm a little hesitant at the do it yourself stuff.
Kas...I'm sure that when Tuvok's canopy is turned over it looks just fine.

 

[Raskolnikov]

Or, if you have the guts, you could try something like this:

http://members.tripod.com/~andygags/10galhood.htm

Very cool, and it looks like you got some good deals on the prices as well.

 

[tuvok]

Oops sorry guys. That canopy was not mine, I just found it on the web while searching for 10g lighting. I should have mentioned that. The one I built is much uglier.

http://ovas.ca/bridge/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1624&highlight=hood