Lighting for 10 gallon

[Tacos377]

So I have been thinking about converting my old freshwater tank to a planted tank. I have got all the supplies down except any lighting. My tank dimensions are 20 w-12 h- 10 d. Suggestions?

 

[fort384]

What is your budget?

Something like this would work very nicely:
Archaea LED light fixture 45cm (clamp-on) All white LED [LED-A45W] - $59.99 : Aqua Forest Aquarium, ADA USA, Aqua Design Amano

EDIT: I see it is out of stock right now but might be back in shortly.

 

[Tacos377]

I don't really want to spend more than fifty dollars. Right now I have two 13 watt 6500k cfls screwed into an incandescent hood. Is this good enough to grow all low light plants?

 

[fort384]

Yes though you could put in higher wattage CFLs if you desire more light.

 

[Tacos377]

All right. What plants would grow well in the lights i have?

 

[Tacos377]

I know java moss and water wisteria will work.

 

[fort384]

Anubias, some Crypts, anacharis, other mosses, etc.

Check plantgeek.net. They have a database that you can sort by lighting requirement.

 

[Tacos377]

Thanks!!! Will do.

 

[Link119]

Those lights will work, but the swirly lights are not very efficient for lighting an aquarium because the swirly lights are meant for vertical fixtures, and your hood is likely a horizontal fixture and you are losing some light towards the side of the hood. It is hard to explain, but i think that you will get more lighting by using cfls like Lights Of America 10 Watt Mini Fluorescent Aquarium Bulb, 1ct: Fish : Walmart.com because they distribute the light better even though the bulb has less wattage. Correct me if i'm wrong...

 

[Tacos377]

However if I change to higher wattage cfls later, will it hurt my plants?

 

[Link119]

No, as long as you are willing to dose fertilizers and add CO2 as necessary. Plants need light, CO2, and fertilizers and if you add one, you need to add the other two becausse if you have excess ferts but not enough light or CO2 then your plants will not benefit much and you will have an algae problem.

 

[Coursair]

I grow a lot of plants in my 10gs.
One has the Archaea clamp on light and one has mini CFLs http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003QZF7JA/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1338862052&sr=8-1

I grow stems, Crypts and Mosses, Ferns, etc.

 

[Wolfsblood]

Arent dual t5 fixtures about $50?

 

[Coursair]

Arent dual t5 fixtures about $50?

With T5s you need CO2 and regulated Ferts or you'll grow an Algae Farm.

Price may be right? Depends on source.