Do I need special light bulbs for my aquarium?

Question

Right now I have two 10 watt florecent bulbs in the hood. I notice that the water kind of spashes on them, and the inside of the hood gets very wet. Is this safe? Is it supposed to be that way?

Answer 1

What kind of tank/hood. Most hoods have a glass panel where the light goes. Some fancier lighting systems put the lighting up higher.
There are bulbs for different tanks. If I knew more I could say more...
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/cat/infoL3/22930/category.web

Answer 2

You didn't mention what size tank you have. That will make a difference. Is it a fish only tank? If so, you really don't need to worry too much about special lighting. Too much light can actually contribute to an algae problem. If it is fish only tank only keep the lights on for 6 - 8 hours max. Plant tanks can keep the lights on 10 - 12 hours. In general I use around 1 to 2 watts per gallon of water on my tank. I don't keep live plants though. For plant tank depending on low light or high light plant requirements you may need anywhere from the 1 - 2 watts up to 3 - 5 watts per gallon. Again, I don't have planted tanks so that is just based on my books and internet searches.

Normally the inside of the hood will have some moisture build up. This is normal but I don't think water splashing on them can ever be good unless the bulbs are protected somehow. I know that on my 20 gal the hood has a little plastic cover protecting the bulb from the water.

Answer 3

It depends on what you are keeping. With most fresh water fish a 10 watt florecent bulb is sufficient. There are some exceptions such as, if you are keeping live plants or if you are keeping salt water corals which usually require intense lighting. Also water inside of the hood is not a good thing. Most light fixtures built for aquariums should either have some sort of protective lens across it to prevent water from getting in there, or should be placed on top of a cover that allows light to penetrate into the water while keeping it separated from the water its self. I should also add that you should only use fixtures that are ment for aquarium use, and remember to always use a proper cover. hope this helps.

Answer 4

My guess is you have something like this...
http://www.all-glass.com/products/hoods/fheconomy.shtml
and you have replaced the incandescent bulbs with something like this...
http://www.all-glass.com/products/lighting/minicompact.shtml
That's a step in the right direction, but at some point you will want a hood that was originally designed for fluorescent lighting.
Like this...
http://www.all-glass.com/products/hoods/fhdeluxe.shtml
or this...
http://www.all-glass.com/products/hoods/versatop.shtml
with this...
http://www.all-glass.com/products/hoods/striplite.shtml
so that you can choose from these...
http://www.all-glass.com/products/lighting/fluorescent.shtml

If it is a 10, I'd consider just replacing it with a 20 or larger. At my shop, a 20 high is 35.99 and the light hood & hood is 32.99 but the two together is only 59.99, so you save a little when you buy both. It's priced that way from the wholesaler, and most dealers give a break on the combination.

Answer 5

That does happen and is pretty unsafe as you thought. I would suggest you save up and replace your hood with a florescent one piece hood that has glass between the light and the water. Much safer, brighter light, looks better and cheaper to run. You will be glad you changed!

MM

Answer 6

one of those walmart type aquarium kits with the screw in bulbs?? its not the safest thing, i would buy a glass top and strip light, i think the wallly world flourescent tubes dont have a cover over the bulbs either

Answer 7

10 watt is pretty low, i think youre ok, but they do sell special bulbs for aquaruims. look in walmart by the fish. or a petstore

Answer 8

Depending on the size of your turtles they will either eat or just plain destroy plants.Could try plastic plants if just wanted for looks.