I need a new light.

[ChikenMan]

I think I need a new light. During the day, I sometimes wonder if my light is even on. Seems a though I used to be able to see my tank better than I can these days. Does a "flourescent" bulb's intensity slowly dimminish over time? I say "flourescent" because after looking at all the different types of lights out there I'm not sure what exactly I have. I bought my tank set-up about 5-6 years ago used. I didn't realize how many kinds of aquarium lights there were. I see what you have here on the site and what my local shops sell. I haven't really asked anyone else yet (I really value the pros opinions). So I ask you, What kind of light would best suit me. I need one for my 30gal. FW community tank. I have a few live plants, mostly Amazon swords(I think). I'm not looking for anything fancy(read expensive), just something to keep me in good light and not grow algae like I'm trying to farm the stuff. What do you guys think? Brand names and wattages would help.

Miami Dolphins 3-0 GO FINS!!!:LOL

[vjvl51]

In all probability you have what is known as NO (normal output) flo lights. I replace mine every 6 to 8 months. Yes, they still work, but the amount of light produced decreases with age. I keep a "used" bulb (I mark the case) for a spare should one suddenly quit/break for any reason. You will have to buy new fixtures if you want to change the type of bulbs from NO.

I should note that I do not change both bulbs at the same time. Some fish would not like a sudden increase in lighting.

Most aquarium kits come with only one flo light. I always add a second bulb (of the same size) since I have a lot of plants. You can buy a flo fixture for under the counter from Home Depot and put an aquarium flo bulb in it. One light will keep some plants alive but it isn't enough for the plants to really grow.

I run one bulb for fish colour (sun-glo, marine-glo, life-glo) and one for my plants (power-glo, aqua-glo, flora-glo).

Per the Hagen brochure, a fresh water aquarium should have from 1 to 3 watts per gallon (this depends upon the lighting requirements of the plants that you have) for about 12 hours per day. For a freshwater community aquarium, they recommend the following combinations

Aqua-glo - Ideal for single bulb canopy. Accentuates fish colours and promotes plant growth.

Sun-glo with Aqua-glo - Promotes plant growth and fish color (especially red, orange, and yellow pigments)

Sun-glo and Power-glo - Provides bright light and high output

Aqua-glo and Power-glo - Efficient photosynthesis while intensifying blue and violet pigments

Sun-glo and Flora-glo - Promotes tall growth of background plants while intensifying red, yellows and orange pigments.

After all this, I would recommend Sun-glo, Aqua-glo or Flora-glo for a single bulb over an aquarium with plants.

Vickie

[SeanF]

pop the old bulb out and take a look at the lettering on one end; that'll tell you the size and wattage. it'll be something like F15T12. I think there's a smaller diameter fluorescent bulb that has a designation like T8, but you can generally use T12 bulbs in the same fixture.

Look at a place like Home Depot in their bulb section for something called a "Bath & Aquarium" bulb in the same size. Get the T12 version if you can. Lot cheaper than getting those specialty bulbs at a fish store, and they do just as well. Definitely double up on the light fixtures, your plants will love you for it :p