[Gafi]

So I have finally decided on what I am doing with this 10 gallon planted tank with cherry shrimp and neons. I have three options that I am considering

Option #1: Fluorescent light strip 20" (I believe will fit 15W T8) with a thin glass lid/top appx 1/8th thick

Option #2: Full hooded Canopy (plastic type with built in fluorescent light (fits 15W T8)

Option #3: Stick with a CFL Clip on light (http://www.petsandponds.com/en/aquarium-supplies/c5813/c64280/p17626786.html)

Thoughts on which option would look best? I'll be honest I was leaning towards the glass lid, but I welcome suggestions!

**If Im not mistaken, this puts me in the high end of low light and low end of med light (as my light would be 10-12 inches from tank bottom)

 

[2in10]

One T8 will give you low light and 2 will give you medium light.

I suggest you go with the one you think will look best.

 

[Jim Miller]

The flourescent hoods are usually quite "hummy."

I returned mine and got the incandescent hood and put 2 13W CFLs in it. Nice and quiet.

Jim

 

[Geminiluna]

+1 for the incandescent hood with CFL's in it. I did the same with a 10 gallon and was always very pleased with the look of it.

 

[Gafi]

ahh interesting....was it the cheap hoods? If I buy an incadescent hood for my tank im looking at 39.99

 

[Gafi]

One T8 will give you low light and 2 will give you medium light.

I suggest you go with the one you think will look best.

I want your opinion on what you think would look best

 

[2in10]

I want your opinion on what you think would look best

I am partial to canopies, keeps the light from the fixture from my eyes.

 

[Gafi]

fair enough...if I do go with the canopy with the incadescent fittings....would you do two 9W CFL (Spiral) or two 13W CFL (Spiral)

 

[Gafi]

+1 for the incandescent hood with CFL's in it. I did the same with a 10 gallon and was always very pleased with the look of it.

what wattage did you use (since I have two spots for lights)

Did you use spiral CFLs, or the straighter CFL

 

[Gafi]

thinking about using these http://www.petsandponds.com/en/aquarium-supplies/c5813/c263448/p16873834.html how much light would two of these give me in the tank? Its most likely a [censored][censored][censored][censored]ty metal reflector, nothing crazy good

 

[kamikazi]

+1 incandescent hood with screw in spiral CFLs

or

2 clip on work lights with 13 watt screw in spiral CFLs
http://www.lowes.com/pd_203198-1373...urrentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=work+light&facetInfo=

obviously if looks are a concern the incandescent hood might be the better option.

 

[Gafi]

+1 incandescent hood with screw in spiral CFLs

or

2 clip on work lights with 13 watt screw in spiral CFLs
http://www.lowes.com/pd_203198-1373...urrentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=work+light&facetInfo=

obviously if looks are a concern the incandescent hood might be the better option.

recommendations on the wattage per socket though for the incandescent hood with CFLs

 

[2in10]

I would use the 13W bulbs.

 

[Gafi]

I would use the 13W bulbs.

so two 13 w spirals....you think that would put me to the point where I need to inject CO2 in the tank?

 

[Gafi]

also, is there anything wrong with going with a fluorescent tube based canopy?

 

[2in10]

so two 13 w spirals....you think that would put me to the point where I need to inject CO2 in the tank?

No, check out this link. http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/85667-par-data-spiral-power-saver-bulbs.html

also, is there anything wrong with going with a fluorescent tube based canopy?

No, in fact I think you will get a better light distribution on your 10 from this technology.

 

[Gafi]

No, check out this link. http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/85667-par-data-spiral-power-saver-bulbs.html



No, in fact I think you will get a better light distribution on your 10 from this technology.

Basically, my LFS has both Canopies for sale. So I could go with the incandescent with two cfls (about 39.99), or the Fluorescent based Canopy (will fit 1 15W) for I think 50.99

 

[2in10]

They both will be low light so which ever you like best or can afford will be the way to go.

I would go for the fluorescent based one.

 

[Gafi]

ok thats what I think im gonna go with

 

[Hoppy]

The advantage of the screw-in type light is that you can change light intensity by selecting different wattage bulbs. With the fluorescent type, you are stuck if you want more light.