[eiginh]

Hi All,

While looking at planted aquariums I happened to stumbled upon here http://showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2008.cgi?&op=showpage&name=view-showcase, the aquariums are nicely planted and inspired me to start a project of my own. At the moment I have a 10g 15w T8 10000k bulb on a perfecto full hood, this will barely give me enough watts for plants I may purchase in the future. I've been researching for a couple of days and came upon http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...wattpowercompactfixturesinglestripwlunarlight, http://www.marinedepot.com/Current_...xtures-Current_USA-CU01136-FILTFIT5T5-vi.html, and http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product_info.php?cPath=71_76&products_id=1228. Hopefully these would fit on top of a 10g and if you have any other or cheaper ideas please let me know. I really appreciate.

 

[eiginh]

*bump*

 

[Indignation]

Either of the compact flourescent fixtures you linked would be fine. The current T5HO 20" fixture is only for saltwater, one of the bulbs is blue.
If you don't mind a little overhang, you could go with this T5NO fixture. It will give you good coverage, with enough light to grow easy/medium difficulty plants, but won't force you to use CO2. Just keep in mind plants will need some kind of carbon, be it CO2 or Excel.

Be sure to read up on some of the beginner threads around here for lots of good advice. Light is only one piece of the triangle that plants need. (light - carbon/co2 - nutrients)

 

[eiginh]

Thank you.

I plan on at least getting 2.8 - 3.6 watts and that would be needing co2 which I would be making from a DIY co2 system. Atm I'm using Flourish Excel with eco-complete substrate. I was planning on changing the blue bulb for the T5HO 20" but I'm not sure if it's compatible since the lighting only has one switch and both go on at different times. I appreciate your help!

 

[Indignation]

The only bulbs that Current sells for the 20" fixture is a 10k white and an actinic blue. You could put 2 10k bulbs in, but the light will be very white/almost blueish. I keep waiting for Current to make a 6700k bulb for this, as it would be a great FW fixture! I used the 24" Current T5HO on a 5.5 gallon, and am currently using it on a 2.5 gallon. I hung the light, which makes it look less odd, and only use one bulb.