What type of aquarium light is best for freshwater tanks?

Question

I have recently been given a fifteen gal tak which measures 19 inches tall and 13 inches across. The hood on the tank was COMPLETELEY broken and in no condition for useage. All glass no longer makes hoods for this tank. So i decided to diy it. Got glass cut for the top and purchaced a 12 inch hood which fit perfectley once you factor in the switch on the side. However i cannot find a bulb which is A)powerful enough for my tank and b) provides my plants with the light they need to prosper. 12 inch hoods only come with the screw in bulbs, and i already checked home depot for an alternative. HELP!

Answer 1

Typically for a planted tank you are wanting 3-5 watts per gallon. Since you have a tall style tank I would shoot for the high end of this, so about 60 watts. That may take 2 hoods like you have or one high out put hood for florescent. Personally I would suggest you invest in a quality florescent hood if you want to be successful with plants. Lighting doesn't matter for the fish, but for plants it's one of the most important factors.

MM

Answer 2

Regular Flourescent Light
These are the type of lights that come with most starter tanks and are very affordable. They typically range from 15 to 40 watts and have Kelvin ratings from 3,000° to 10,000°. Kelvin is the scale used to measure the color temperature. They are very cheap to run and replace.


Compact Flourescent Light Bulb
These are a step up from the regular flourescent lights. They typically range from 10 to 100 watts and have Kelvin ratings from 5,000° to 10,000°. They offer really bright and intense light but they do put off some heat that may raise the tank water temperature. Running power compact lights will require special hoods and because of the heat produced, they often come with installed fans in the hood.

either of these would work just fine

Answer 3

For the moment go to H.D. and get a screw in Florescent (60Watt) that is made for plants ( or a regular white lite one if you cant find one for plants) and use that while you are finding an actual florescent hood to fit your tank.

www.thatfishplace.com sells hoods in every size, they also sell retrofit kits to change an incandescent hood to florescent.

Good Luck.
E.

Answer 4

go into ebay, press buy type in 130082709848, i brought two of these blue lights for my four foot tank, they just stick on the inside of your tank, my plants a fine with them plus you get different colours and very cheap to, x

Answer 5

50 / 50 florescent bulbs are what i use for my take and my Anacharis and Water Wisteria are doing great

Answer 6

50 / 50 florescent bulbs are best.