I have a 5 gallon hex aquarium and I would like to try a few live plants in it, but I don't think the light I have in there is strong enough. It is meant for the tank, but it is only 15w. Anyone have any ideas for other light options? Thanks.
5 gallon hex lights
- Thread starter dmolson21
- Start date
15w is fine for a 5 gallon tank, it just depends on what type of lighting/spectrum. If it is incandescent, then you will need to switch to fluorescent (or many other types but this is easiest IMO). Also, see if you can find the kelvin rating for the bulbs. If it is 6500K-10000K you will probably be fine.
I bought a fluorescent spiral compact bulb (GE 13 watt = 60 watt). The ballast on the tank says it is not meant for watts over 15, so I didn't want to get something too high. The lumens on the box says 825. You guys think this will work for me, also any suggestions on plants for the setup would be great. Right now I have black tahitian moon sand in the tank and 5 serpae tetras. Thanks for the help.
As long as you got the cfl that was the day light version. AKA 6500k then yes that is a good light for the tank.
Also incadescent lights don't have ballast. The wattage rating is only for heat reccommendations. And because cfl's put out less heat then regualr incadescents if you needed you could safely put a higher watt bulb in with out worries.
For plants its what ever you want.
I would do some giant hair grass in the back ground. And maybe some flame moss wrapped drift wood in the front.
Also incadescent lights don't have ballast. The wattage rating is only for heat reccommendations. And because cfl's put out less heat then regualr incadescents if you needed you could safely put a higher watt bulb in with out worries.
For plants its what ever you want.
I would do some giant hair grass in the back ground. And maybe some flame moss wrapped drift wood in the front.