[DrewWoodside]

My question is simply what will be more beneficial for a 10 gallon standard. A 26 or a 32 watt CFL(the fixture is for one bulb only). I realize that if all other conditions are on the up and up, the 6 watt difference may be negligible. However I would still like to hear ppl's opinions! I've had some issues with hair algae and less than desirable growth from some of my plants. (Furcata, HC and some others) and am hop

Below are the particulars/variables for my setup.

- 10 Gallon Standard
- Eco Complete
- Fluval C02 Mini
- Rootmedic Complete 500 (2 to 3x a week)
- Occasionally adding Flourish Excel
- 75 Watt Floor lamp(26 or 32 watt CFL 6500)
- Photoperiod: 7 hrs

Note: I took apart my HOB filter b/c it's flow was steadily decreasing and discovered a thread or strand of plant matter that had all but brought it to a complete halt. I also purchased a larger siphon and bucket, so water changes have become more efficient and regular. I'm hoping cleaner water will encourage plant growth, and discourage algae.

Thank you for any thoughts or info!

 

[sayurasem]

My question is simply what will be more beneficial for a 10 gallon standard. A 26 or a 32 watt CFL. I realize that if all other conditions are on the up and up, the 6 watt difference may be negligible. However I would still like to hear ppl's opinions! I've had some issues with hair algae and less than desirable growth from some of my plants. (Furcata, HC and some others) and am hop

Below are the particulars/variables for my setup.

- 10 Gallon Standard
- Eco Complete
- Fluval C02 Mini
- Rootmedic Complete 500 (2 to 3x a week)
- Occasionally adding Flourish Excel
- 75 Watt Floor lamp(26 or 32 watt CFL 6500)
- Photoperiod: 7 hrs

Note: I took apart my HOB filter b/c it's flow was steadily decreasing and discovered a thread or strand of plant matter that had all but brought it to a complete halt. I also purchased a larger siphon and bucket, so water changes have become more efficient and regular. I'm hoping cleaner water will encourage plant growth, and discourage algae.
Thank you for any thoughts or info!

Is your tank 10 standard with 2 sockets of cfl?

If it is, 15w for both is enough.

 

[DrewWoodside]

Is your tank 10 standard with 2 sockets of cfl?

If it is, 15w for both is enough.

No, it's a single 75 watt fixture in a floor lamp. The head of the lamp sits roughly 4-6 inches above water level. I'm hoping to use either a 26 or a 32 watt CFL depending on what ppl think works best.

 

[Hoppy]

I assume the bulb is horizontal in that floor lamp. If so, I doubt that a 26 watt bulb would be enough light. A 32 watt bulb would probably be enough.

 

[DrewWoodside]

I assume the bulb is horizontal in that floor lamp. If so, I doubt that a 26 watt bulb would be enough light. A 32 watt bulb would probably be enough.

Correct you are Hoppy it is horizontal. I'll make the swap tonight. Thanks!

 

[DrewWoodside]

I assume the bulb is horizontal in that floor lamp. If so, I doubt that a 26 watt bulb would be enough light. A 32 watt bulb would probably be enough.

Ideally, how should I have the head of the lamp positioned? How many inches above?

 

[Hoppy]

The trade off is coverage vs intensity. You will be marginal in intensity at 4-6 inches, but might get good enough coverage. Lower it and you likely won't get good coverage of the whole tank, but the intensity will be much higher. You will have to do some experimenting.

 

[DrewWoodside]

The trade off is coverage vs intensity. You will be marginal in intensity at 4-6 inches, but might get good enough coverage. Lower it and you likely won't get good coverage of the whole tank, but the intensity will be much higher. You will have to do some experimenting.

Yeah I figured. I suppose I should know by now, not many questions in planted tanks have cut and dry answers. Trial and error time. :tongue:

 

[epiphany]

If you're concerned you can get a cheap clip on/desk lamp and put another light over your tank to give more even coverage