ckorczak

Hi all! I'm a fairly new fish tank owner - I used to have one 10-12 years ago, but things have REALLY changed now. NEw products are available that blow my mind.

I need some help here though. I have a community tank setup - a mix of various fish. Many live bearers, but a mixed community tank in general. I LOVE live plants, and now have a good variety (java moss, red ludvigia,
lloydiella, ambulia, diandra, etc).

I Need A New Light.

I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice - I currently have a 46 bow with a 36" light fixture - 120v, 60hz, 40 watts - can you recommend a good quality bulb? Maybe some options? Something not harsh would be great as my gravel is on the light side.

Please try to be specific if possible, as I am very confused with lights right now (did a lot of internet reading, but I don't feel like I am getting anywhere).

Thanks so much guys!

Gargoyle

Any idea what size bulbs your fixture takes? Or who made it.. etc?? I think I have a good suggestion for you but I need a little more info to know if my suggestion will be useful to you or not.

Basically looking for fluorescent or something else? Also are the T10, T8, or maybe T5 bulbs?


Thanks!

ckorczak

How do I find out what type of sizes I can use?

Right now the bulb I have an "Eclipse Natural Daylight F30T8 Made in Germany for Marineland."

Gargoyle

Okay so you currently have a 46 gallon bow front with 30 watts of T8 light bulbs. How many bulbs do you have and how long are they ?

ckorczak

I have a 36 inch bulb. One bulb. Thanks!

Gargoyle

One of the easier bulbs to source at local pet stores and chains is the "Glo" brand. They make different one for different uses. If you like the natural look try to get one that says something like "high noon light". That will give you a white light where the other bulbs will give some sort of color to the light.

I have used the "Life-Glo 2" bulb with good results. Just make sure you get a bulb that looks the same as yours size wise. Maybe take the bulb out of your top and bring it with you to the store to verify you are getting the right one (size wise).

Hope this helps you out some.

ckorczak

Thanks so much - it does help a tremendous amount! I will check out that bulb ASAP!

COBettaCouple

Welcome to Fishlore.

xsile

Hi, im in Australia but i also have a Glo tube on my 3ft tank and its a 18000k temp tube. I suggest this if you have a planted tank.