incandescent vs flourescent

J

jcm1229

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Nov 27, 2002
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I have a friend thats starting up a 10G with an old setup. The hood held 2 incandescent bulbs. Should I get them 2 replacements. OR They have 10W power compact retrofits. If they go this route will that contribute to too much algae?? This will be fish only and NO live plants.

Which bulbs should they get???

Thanks!
 
No plants? Then go with a low-wattage (15 W normal output or 13 W compact fluorescent) retrofit. Incandescent puts out too much heat.
 
Having the old incandescent hood is fine. Do not worry at all about this. You can go to walmart and they sell power compact screw bulbs in the pet dept for roughly $4. Your if you go to your LFS they could even get you the coral life bulbs for a higher price but I have had no problems with the walmart bulbs. The bulbs that are offered are 10 watt bulbs. These bulbs tend to save money on electricity and last longer than incandescent bulbs.


jim
 
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I use the screw in flourescents in my 10 gallon and they do great for gorwing plants. They are 13 watts each, so I have 2.6 watts per gallon. Not as great a light as a true flourescent tube but a lot cheaper than getting a new hood.
 
I agree with many above. I highly recommend you use incandescent in any tank. They simply emit so much heat. If unattended and left on too long, it can be a fire hazard. Get compact florescent screw in's.. Try and get low watts since you have no plants. If it’s too high, you will get an algae problem.
 
I would have to also agree with some above, although it realy depends on your situation. I use florescent in my 10 & 20 gals and incandescent in my 2 gal Hex.

The reason I use the incandescent in my 2 gal is for the simple fact of heat. I don't have to use a heater because the bulb keeps it at a steady 78 degrees during the day, and the temp drops overnight to only 72-74.

But I don't like the yellowish hue that low wattage incandescents put off, therefore if I were going to go with a crisper clearer looking light it would definatly be florescent.
 
Originally posted by rainbowprizimz

The reason I use the incandescent in my 2 gal is for the simple fact of heat. I don't have to use a heater because the bulb keeps it at a steady 78 degrees during the day, and the temp drops overnight to only 72-74.

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I have a heating problem. How long should i leave my light on for a 2 gal hex tank? My tank is heated at approx. 72 C but when i leave my light on and come home from work it's up to the mid 80's! I only have 2 dwarf frogs in there, but I'm afraid it's getting too hot for them. :eek:
 
Originally posted by aquariumfishguy
You dont need a light or heater for a small tank with frogs...not the small african dwarf ones. I have these guys in small tanks without a heater and they typically live for 7+ years. ;)
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Really? the person at the fish store said they needed to be in a warm tank, at about 70 C. so should i take out the heater and not use the light?
 
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