lighting for desktop aquarium

[scottayy]

I bought a 5 gallon desktop aquarium to keep on my work desk. It is awesome.

I don't like the lighting however. It's dull and "yellowish". It is a "15W incandescent lighted hood and bulb" as stated by the manufacturer.

Are there any bulbs I can buy that would fit in this hood to provide the bright white flourescent type look (similar to my t5 lighting on my 55g)?

This is the exact product:
Amazon.com: Mini Bow Desktop Kit Aquarium - 5 gallon - Blue: Kitchen & Dining

 

[joy13]

Look for something like this Coralife 50/50 Mini Compact Fluorescent Screw-in 10 watt 6 inch

 

[scottayy]

Wow, thanks! If I had to guess I would've guessed that there wouldn't be any fluorescent screw-in bulbs.

Nice to know going to order one of those bad boys

 

[scottayy]

I'm wondering if I could safely spray paint the hood of this black?

 

[joy13]

You can use krylon fusion for inside or outside of the tank. Make sure it is dry before adding water. I used it to paint the plumbing black in my reef tank.

 

[scottayy]

Well I managed to mess this tank up nicely!

Doesn't surprise me. I got paint all over the aquarium (it soaked through the paper i taped on there).

And I scratched the acrylic with sand.

I'm wondering if lacquer thinner will take the paint off of the acrylic and if I can use a fine grit sand paper to get out the scratches?

I could always just buy a new tank, but this sucker was $62 at the LFS, and DIY projects are fun

 

[scottayy]

OK, nope. Not going to bother with it. I have myself a rather expensive 5 gallon bucket now needed a 5 gallon bucket anyone

ordered a new aquarium to replace that one

 

[fort384]

Look for something like this Coralife 50/50 Mini Compact Fluorescent Screw-in 10 watt 6 inch

This would definitely make the tank (or your new tank) look nice.

Are you planning on live plants for the tank? If not, this is a great option. If so, then you will not want to get a 50/50 bulb. You will want a straight 10000K light. It would be white, but provide a lot more usable light for plants.

 

[scottayy]

No live plants.
I got the 10000k light, no 50/50 actinic.
I tried both and just liked the white look better.