Lighting for a 10g planted

[Jambot]

Hey guys, I've been searching the internet for a long time now for a light fixture that would fit over my 10 gallon (about 20 inches long). I want to try and get around 3.5 - 4 wpg.

The only thing I could find was this, http://www.aquariumpros.com/p-AGA25920,LFsl.html, but it only holds one 15 watt bulb.

So basically I'm looking for a fixture that holds four 15 watt, 18 inch bulbs. Do these even exist?

I was wondering if anyone can help out here and point me in the right direction.

[gm72]

I use this on 2 of my 10 gallon planted tanks. Great light. Replace the 50/50 bulb with a Sunpaq bulb and you'll be in great shape.

[Ryuu]

I use that one to lol, its agreat light and my tank is heavaly planted

[gm72]

Fishman, what is your setup? CO2? Ferts? Just curious since we are using the exact same light.

[Drumachine09]

If you want more light do what I did, and get an incandescent hood, but use 6700k CFL bulbs in it. The reflectors in the hoods aren't the greatest, but the light is GREAT for the plants.

[gm72]

That's a great tip. I also have a CF bulb, just what you would buy at a local Walmart or similar store, in one of the 2.5 gallon tanks, stock hood. Planted with crypts, moss balls, and some dwarf water lettuce. Great little tank!

[cocoa_pleco]

if you get a retrofit ballast for a 10g its possible, hagen makes them. you would have to make your own reflector that way. there are 2 caps with cords that come out of the ballast and you just attach them to a bulb, instant light

[Jambot]

Thanks for the info guys. One more question that actually has to do for my 20 gallon. I currently use 2 of these light strips (http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCatalog/ctl3684/cp18360/si1379085/cl1/coralife_fw_t5_aqualight_double_strip_light30?&path=c3684-def-USD-16695%23%23-1%23%23-1%7E%7Eq636f72616c696665%7E%7Ec3684-def-USD-18356%23%23e%23%235c%7E%7Enc3684-def-USD-18360%23%230%23%237&query=coralife&offset=). In each light strip there is a "colormax" bulb and a 6700k bulb. Does the "colormax" bulb do anything for plants at all or should I go ahead and purchase more 6700k bulbs?

[Sasquatch]

I know that Big Als has 20" light strips that'll fit on a 10g tank. Just make sure that they don't have actinic bulbs, or buy replacement non-actinics.

[gm72]

Thanks for the info guys. One more question that actually has to do for my 20 gallon. I currently use 2 of these light strips (http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCatalog/ctl3684/cp18360/si1379085/cl1/coralife_fw_t5_aqualight_double_strip_light30?&path=c3684-def-USD-16695%23%23-1%23%23-1%7E%7Eq636f72616c696665%7E%7Ec3684-def-USD-18356%23%23e%23%235c%7E%7Enc3684-def-USD-18360%23%230%23%237&query=coralife&offset=). In each light strip there is a "colormax" bulb and a 6700k bulb. Does the "colormax" bulb do anything for plants at all or should I go ahead and purchase more 6700k bulbs?

I am pretty sure the colormax bulb is of the 6700k variety. I personally don't like the light it casts, but you may feel differently.

[Jambot]

Would I be able to purchase one of these fixtures (its for saltwater tanks) (http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18360/si2949157/cl0/currentusanovaextreme182x20wt510000ksaltwater), and just put in bulbs appropriate for a freshwater planted tank, like these (http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCatalog/ctl3684/cp18358/si1383000/cl1/coralife_nutri_grow_plant_lamp_18?&path=c3684-def-USD-16695%23%23-1%23%23-1%7E%7Ec3684-def-USD-18356%23%239%23%231a%7E%7Eq3138%7E%7Enc3684-def-USD-18358%23%230%23%23o&query=18&offset=), or is that not possible?

[gm72]

Right. Just take out the actinic and put in a 6700k bulb and you'll be set.

[Jambot]

Alright, cool, thanks. I think I'll go ahead and buy that saltwater fixture and just buy two T5 freshwater bulbs and sometime later go ahead and purchase a second one to give me 4 wpg, or maybe ask for one for my birthday :ezpi_wink1:.

Thanks a lot everyone for all your help and input!

[cocoa_pleco]

yep, that works

im sure even if you were to ask if they could swap the actinics for daylights they might do it

[Jambot]

Actually, I just found something even better, Freshwater MINI (http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCatalog/ctl3684/cp18369/si1383410/cl1/coralife_freshwater_9_mini_aqualight2_x_9w?&query=Freshwater+MINI+&queryType=0&offset=). It's a 9 inch fixture that comes with two 9 watt 6700K compact fluorescent lamps. It's only $25 so I can spend $50 and get 3.6 wpg instead of spending $60 and only getting 3.0 wpg! I have no idea how I missed this in my search earlier...