Do 40 watt 30inch bulbs exist?

[Paintballer99]

ah ok, so if i get a glass hood, and a new fixture that would work? Do you know why its bad to put a double tube for my hood?

Thanks!

 

[jpappy789]

Your ballast isn't rated for the right wattage...I say ditch the hood and get a twin tube with the glass top.

 

[Paintballer99]

Ok sweet.

 

[Paintballer99]

Do you guys think this is an ok twin tube. not too expensive..

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754543&lmdn=Product+Type

 

[jpappy789]

That's the exact one I have. Takes two 17w bulbs and is a decent price...I got mine at Petco for about $44 dollars although it was marked for clearance.

Also, if you want to keep the hood and do a little minor electrical work:

http://www.ahsupply.com/36-55w.htm

They have a 30" 55w kit, although thats going to be much more than what you need. But a better price for how much light you get.

 

[Paintballer99]

ok so the fixture came with 2 bulbs? i was looking to get 40 to 50 watts

 

[jpappy789]

Mine did...believe me, 34w is enough, unless you have some higher maintenance plants in mind?

The most common mistake in planted aquariums is jumping to too much light when it is not needed. More light = more work overall as it requires more balancing of nutrients, Co2, etc.

 

[schaadrak]

Why not just buy a cheap incandescent light fixture and run two 13W screw-in CFL's?

 

[jpappy789]

I'm not aware of many incandescent fixtures that fit a 20L...most I see available are for 10 gallons or smaller.

 

[schaadrak]

I can't find any online, but I think I remember seeing some @ Wally World.

If you're somewhat handy, you could retro-fit two screw-in light bases into your existing fixture. Would cost you $15-$20 including bulbs.