Upgrade lighting for a 10g

James0816

James0816

AC Members
Feb 14, 2007
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I know...get a bigger tank! :)

anyway...I have a small 10g that I'm setting up for a couple DPs. It is going to be naturally planted so I have to upgrade the lighting. Can someone lend some recommendations to get to the 2-4wpg area I need for this tank?

Thx
 
Well it depends on the hood. If it has two spots for screw in type bulbs then I'd go "daylight" 6500k 20w each. thats 4wpg and I run that on my 10g with no problems. If its a single tube fixture. Its 18" I belive and you can get a new 15w bulb for that size and see how a new one goes or look up DarkSoul's mods and he installed screw in bulbs in a single tube fixture. Its a lil work but alotta light.

I also painted the underside of my single peice cheap-o walmart hood white. It was black and not very reflective.
 
Here is what I did with my 10g ....This really depends on if you have the screw in type fixtures in your hood..... I used two 6500k 10 watt bulbs (2wpg) from Walmart..You could probably use the 13w bulbs (about 2.5wpg) instead of the 10w I used. I was afraid they would be a tight fit but after putting these in I still have alittle room between the hood and bulb.

10g%20cfl.JPG
 
alas...no...the hood is not the screw in style lights but the two pin florescent bulb.
 
FtwayneFish said:
I also painted the underside of my single peice cheap-o walmart hood white. It was black and not very reflective.
Click to expand...

I havent thought about doing that...I might give it a try as it should help reflect some of the wasted light back in my tank
 
James0816 said:
alas...no...the hood is not the screw in style lights but the two pin florescent bulb.
Click to expand...

Still might be cheaper to get a $10 hood at Walmart and 2 screwin cfl bulbs for $6 then to buy a new light strip or even a bulb replacement for the one you have.
 
james, bummer. But theres that DIY mod to help you out.

Southpaw- we have the same hood. FYI even the 26w! ones fit. I have one on my 5g hood that accepts one bulb. And the white satin flat like- plastic paint, did wonders alot brighter I think. I taped my reflectors and took the bulbs out, gave it about 3 coats. Really nice.

I too took those frosted light blockers off lol.
 
I 2nd the idea of the 10.00 hood and 6.00 for bulbs. Its the cheapest bet for ya.
 
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