[jebarj90]

What is the best lighting that i can put on my 10 gallon tank that will fit in the 20 inch wide space that i have. Right now I am using a home depot ballast with a sun bulb and a grow bulb (1-20 watts, 2-25). The plants are all doing well but i cannot stand the ballast because its 24 inches and just sits on top of my tank. Very dangerous to have water hitting on to these bulbs. Websites, DIY experiences, or anything you can think of that youve done on your 10 gallon and is working great for you will help. Thanks in advance!
Ryan

 

[Rex Grigg]

Glass cover and AH Supply 36 watt kit.

 

[DiabloCanine]

What is the best lighting that i can put on my 10 gallon tank that will fit in the 20 inch wide space that i have. Right now I am using a home depot ballast with a sun bulb and a grow bulb (1-20 watts, 2-25). The plants are all doing well but i cannot stand the ballast because its 24 inches and just sits on top of my tank. Very dangerous to have water hitting on to these bulbs. Websites, DIY experiences, or anything you can think of that youve done on your 10 gallon and is working great for you will help. Thanks in advance!
Ryan

http://www.ahsupply.com/finished_enclosures.htm
http://www.ahsupply.com/36-55w.htm
http://www.ahsupply.com/bulbs.htm
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/diy/42194-sliding-glass-top-how.html

 

[jebarj90]

Ya great site and all but it seems to me that you have to buy everything separately. The enclosure, and then the lighting fixture itself. Rex help me out a little bit!

 

[kzr750r1]

Yes... You buy all the parts and assemble. They have the instructions all laid out and can help you with a pre made canopy if I remember correctly.

I'm a little surprised at the reply from Rex. I thought that you wrote the 2x13w deluxe was too much for the 10... now you say 36? Please esplane...

You may have been referring to the dual 36 kit being too much?

 

[Rex Grigg]

Actually there are several people who have used the 2x36 over a 10 gallon. And had good results. But that's a bit to much work for me.

I highly doubt I ever wrote that a 2x13 was too much for a 10 gallon. In fact since I have the MLT article on my web site in which I show that smaller tanks require more light I know I never said that.

jebarj90,

Purchase a 1x36 watt kit and a 6700k bulb. Now you have a choice. You can either build or buy an enclosure. If you choose to build AH Supply will send directions if you just ask for them with your order. If you want to buy then purchase a 20" finished enclosure from them in either black or bare wood.

Now you will need to get a glass cover for the tank. Any pet store will carry this very basic item or you can build your own from the links that DC posted.

Place the glass cover on the 10 gallon tank. Now assemble your lighting kit in the enclosure.

Sit back and enjoy.

 

[esarkipato]

I use two all-glass type light strips with normal output fluoro bulbs, 2x15w. Bought a seperate all-glass cover and the plants grow wonderfully. So does the algae

 

[kzr750r1]

For sure my mistake Rex.