[Tedbert]

Hi All,

Been lurking for a while as I research and start setting up my first planted tank...

I've got a 10 gallon AGA aquarium and some driftwood soaking in a bucket that is almost good to go.

But I'm not real sure what to do about a lighting solution. I'd like to go LED but my quandary concerns a very inquisitive cat and so I really need a hood/cover. She behaves with my cichlid tank (mostly) when I'm around but when I'm gone I do not trust her.

I've browsed through the sticky, forums, and google and haven't found much other than the Marineland LED/hood but it looks like that might not be the best solution, even for low-light plants.

Should I look at a DIY jobbie and the Marineland double bright LED?
Should I look at just going fluorescent? If so any suggestions?

I'd appreciate any assistance and apologies if I missed a solution already in the forums!

Thanks!
-tedbert

 

[mitchfish9]

Welcome to the forum!

I would suggest trying out this glass top: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=42194
I have wanted to do one and it seems pretty easy.

Then you can do something like a finnex fugeray LED. I don't know if the light will be too high for your purposes though. They are nice lights and have people on TPT use them a lot. Hopefully I helped a little!

 

[somewhatshocked]

Your options are seemingly limitless. Using the search function and browsing through various 10gal journals is a great way to get ideas.

You can pick up a hinged glass top for about $5-$6 at most any LFS.

Lighting? There are tons of LEDs on the market that could suit your needs, whatever they may be. You'll need to determine the kind of plants you want and whether you hope to be low/medium/high light, whether you want to dose ferts and use CO2. Then pick your fixture.

 

[Shiggy]

For lighting you should take a look at LED Flood lights. I have been using them and I love them they are super bright!