10g light

southpass · 07-17-2003, 08:53 PM

i have a 10g tank that is moderately planted. I only had a 15w flourescant, so i went to home depot. I got an 18" flourescant from there and put it with my other light on top of my tank. I also added some aluminum foil to the inside of the lights, does that help? I am thinking of getting some metal for the reflector soon. Well for, $5 for the light, i dont think it was bad. But are the bulbs from philips that are made for aquariums and plants ne good, because i have one of this with and aqua glow? DO u guys know ne other cheap wayz to for light? thanks, and i am a noob so dont be to harsh if my question is retarded.

**GulfCoastAquarian** · 07-17-2003, 09:19 PM

With two 15w fluorescent bulbs on your tank now, you've got about 3 watts per gallon. To me, that's just perfect. The phillips bulb you have that is designated for Aquariums and Plants is probably just fine. You've done a good job supplying the light. Now it is time to focus on the other nutrients - trace, CO2, potassium and eventually Nitrates and Phosphates.
Take it slow, though. Start with a decent trace mix like Seachem Flourish, Tropica Mastergrow, etc.

Rex Grigg · 07-18-2003, 01:35 AM

Tin foil is a lousy reflector.

jonah · 07-18-2003, 01:56 AM

Would chrome paint work? It comes in a spray can.

m.lemay · 07-18-2003, 02:18 AM

White paint would work better than chrome paint.

**GDominy** · 07-18-2003, 04:11 PM

I usually use tremclad high heat flat white paint used for stuff like wood stoves and the life. This stuff works well for aquarium canopies where the heat and moisture can wreak havock on wood, etc...

digger · 07-18-2003, 05:40 PM

Where do you get that Gareth? I thought they always used powder coating for high heat applications.

**GDominy** · 07-18-2003, 06:39 PM

Walmart, Home Depot, Canadian Tire, paint stores, etc most chain stores should carry something that will do the trick :-)

jart · 07-19-2003, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rex Grigg

Tin foil is a lousy reflector.

Why do you say that, Rex? Are you saying one couldn't get it flat enough to evenly reflect the light in the right direction?

Rex Grigg · 07-19-2003, 02:05 AM

NO, I'm saying that tin foil is a lousy reflector. Shine a flashlight on it and look at the reflection. It has a very rough surface and is a better diffuser of light than a reflector.

07-17-2003, 09:19 PM	#2
GulfCoastAquarian Planted Tank VIP (View User Tanks) PTrader: (6/100%) Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Winston-Salem, NC Posts: 3,577	With two 15w fluorescent bulbs on your tank now, you've got about 3 watts per gallon. To me, that's just perfect. The phillips bulb you have that is designated for Aquariums and Plants is probably just fine. You've done a good job supplying the light. Now it is time to focus on the other nutrients - trace, CO2, potassium and eventually Nitrates and Phosphates. Take it slow, though. Start with a decent trace mix like Seachem Flourish, Tropica Mastergrow, etc. __________________ - Sam P - plantedtanker in limbo - all tanks currently in storage

07-18-2003, 02:18 AM	#5
m.lemay Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (9/100%) Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Naugatuck, CT. Posts: 2,647	White paint would work better than chrome paint. __________________ FILSTAR Pimp #2 75 gal heavily planted,50/50 Black beauty,Eco-complete substrate, Pressurised CO2 with solenoid, ph controller, AB Reactor 1000, 330 watts 9325K GE PC lighting,Ehiem Liquidoser, 2-Filstar xp3 canisters.

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07-17-2003, 08:53 PM	#1
southpass Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 5	i have a 10g tank that is moderately planted. I only had a 15w flourescant, so i went to home depot. I got an 18" flourescant from there and put it with my other light on top of my tank. I also added some aluminum foil to the inside of the lights, does that help? I am thinking of getting some metal for the reflector soon. Well for, $5 for the light, i dont think it was bad. But are the bulbs from philips that are made for aquariums and plants ne good, because i have one of this with and aqua glow? DO u guys know ne other cheap wayz to for light? thanks, and i am a noob so dont be to harsh if my question is retarded.

07-18-2003, 01:35 AM	#3
Rex Grigg Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (65/100%) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland Orygun Posts: 9,600	Tin foil is a lousy reflector.

07-18-2003, 01:56 AM	#4
jonah Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mustang, Oklahoma Posts: 93	Would chrome paint work? It comes in a spray can.

07-18-2003, 04:11 PM	#6
GDominy Planted Tank VIP (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Victoria,British Columbia, Canada Posts: 3,276	I usually use tremclad high heat flat white paint used for stuff like wood stoves and the life. This stuff works well for aquarium canopies where the heat and moisture can wreak havock on wood, etc...

07-18-2003, 05:40 PM	#7
digger Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 519	Where do you get that Gareth? I thought they always used powder coating for high heat applications.

07-18-2003, 06:39 PM	#8
GDominy Planted Tank VIP (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Victoria,British Columbia, Canada Posts: 3,276	Walmart, Home Depot, Canadian Tire, paint stores, etc most chain stores should carry something that will do the trick :-)

07-19-2003, 02:05 AM	#10
Rex Grigg Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (65/100%) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland Orygun Posts: 9,600	NO, I'm saying that tin foil is a lousy reflector. Shine a flashlight on it and look at the reflection. It has a very rough surface and is a better diffuser of light than a reflector.