What kind of aquarium hood/light do I need for live plants?
I’m getting a couple live plants for my new 10g aquarium. While reading about them, I found out they have high light requirements. Would a typical incandescent hood with incandescent light bulb suffice? If not, would a flourescent hood/light work out alright? I’d really rather not get the flourescent hood unless I have to… they’re so expensive ><
The best is to go to an "aquatic gardener" site and check specific requirements for the plants you are considering…. all have specific ranges they thrive in.
Incandescent lights only drawback really is the heat generated.You can get incandescents in the various spectrum just like flourescents.
Long as you have a way to cool the bulbs (and with it the tank),I see no problems.
On a 10g tank you won’t have to mess with any "ratios" because of it’s depth… use the straight recommendation.If a plant calls for 3watts per gallon,then it’s 30watts of light…. if it’s 1.5 wpg then its 15watts required.Pretty simple to calculate on an 10g tank.
You may get away with incandescent if you elevate the hood and "flow" air over under it with a fan.
Due to heat variances between tank and room temperature,you may be doing quite a bit of "topping off".The higher tank temp is above room temp,the faster it evaporates.
a regular incandecent would work but a "halide" light bulb would be best they are brighter and benefit the plant more and they look better they are more expensive but if you want the best results get them you can find some on http://www.ebay.com http://www.aquabid.com http://www.thatpetplace.com http://www.marineandreef.com http://www.aquariumguys.com LOL you get the drift if anyone has a question about FISH!!! email me ill get you an answer somehow
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my source is just the fact that i am a FCKIN GENIUS!!!! and that i own lots of fish and i know what im talking about and i also have a 20gal plant tank with lillies and others so yea im out now KAPOOSH!!! wait rate me best answer ok now im gone KAPOOSH!!!
The best is to go to an "aquatic gardener" site and check specific requirements for the plants you are considering…. all have specific ranges they thrive in.
Incandescent lights only drawback really is the heat generated.You can get incandescents in the various spectrum just like flourescents.
Long as you have a way to cool the bulbs (and with it the tank),I see no problems.
On a 10g tank you won’t have to mess with any "ratios" because of it’s depth… use the straight recommendation.If a plant calls for 3watts per gallon,then it’s 30watts of light…. if it’s 1.5 wpg then its 15watts required.Pretty simple to calculate on an 10g tank.
You may get away with incandescent if you elevate the hood and "flow" air over under it with a fan.
Due to heat variances between tank and room temperature,you may be doing quite a bit of "topping off".The higher tank temp is above room temp,the faster it evaporates.
References :