Lights for a 10gal?

[raisemyrent]

Hi Everyone,

I recently set up a 20"x10"x12" - 10gal nano while I wait for getting all the equipment for my 33gal (tank stories to come)... and the last bit of equipment that I need for my currently-breaking-in nano is the lights...

I'd appreciate it if everyone threw in their comments... I'm leaning towards T5s... MHs are out of the question, according to my bank... and PCs just seem too cheap...

Here's the answer to the first question: I'd like to make this a true nano, with everything small and balanced... so at any given time, I'd have my usual suspects (CUC, and fish) plus all sorts of small corals and/or frags... if anything gets big, it goes to the 33gal (which is a different story). So I don't want to be (too) limited in what I can keep.

Currently, this is what's in my mind:
http://www.bigalsonline.ca/BigAlsCA/ctl3664/cp17943/si2949158/cl0/currentusanovaextreme182x20wt510000ksaltwater

[Myka]

T5s are a great choice for nanos, however I would be a bit hesitant to get the 18" T5s because there is very little bulb choice. Personally, I would go nab a 15 or 20g tank instead which will be 24", and you would be able to get a better fixture with better bulb choices. I'm definitely not a fan of the Current USA brand...I would prefer Hagen over them, and that's sayin something!! :lol: The 24w 24" T5HOs are also a bit more intense than the 20w 18" bulbs so that would be better as well.

[raisemyrent]

thanks, Myka. you bring a really good point, being limited to a 18"... I'd go and get another tank, I guess, but it's already stocked with rock and sand... my true project is my 33gal, this tank was free, my buddy brought it over one day when he heard I was back to the race with aquariums...

how ARE PCs for nanos? there's a super cheap coralife with 96W... those are easier to find in 20"...

and WHERE can I get Hagen lights? I haven't seen them posted on any website/store yet...

[Ron99]

You can put a 24" T5HO fixture on a 10 gallon tank if it has adjustable legs. That's what I have. it hangs out over the edge of the tank 2 inches on each side but it really isn't noticeable or a problem. That will give you alot of variety in the colours of bulbs you run. i have 2 14,000K bulbs and 2 actinic and i really like the colours.

[ElGuappo]

+1 i use a 24" hagen go. the overhang is not really a big deal, as the part that hangs over is mostly endcap and nearly no light escapes.

You can put a 24" T5HO fixture on a 10 gallon tank if it has adjustable legs. That's what I have. it hangs out over the edge of the tank 2 inches on each side but it really isn't noticeable or a problem. That will give you alot of variety in the colours of bulbs you run. i have 2 14,000K bulbs and 2 actinic and i really like the colours.

[Myka]

Ya, I would still put a 24" on the 10g too. I know Total Pet carries Hagen brand, and often small independant stores do as well. Try stores that carry a variety of different animals.

[raisemyrent]

thanks fro all the good advice, I would;ve sworn I had replied to this thread; I ended up buying the ucrrent usa model... I came in the store ready to buy the 18" model with 2x18W or whatever it is, then I found its big borther, 2x24W T5HO 10K 460nm 24" current usa nove extreme, for not even 10 bucks more!

I had to buy it; I paid 100 bucks for it... it's not listed on bigal's website... anyways, I checked after I got home and though it is not a proper individual reflector per se, it does bend around each bulb in a triangle shape, so... it's good. plus i get the freedom of 24"...

anyways, my tank loves it!

[Dr. Zoos]

buy a used 70 or 150w sunpod, i had the 70w on my 10 and loved it!!!!
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/thebretts/oct26004.jpg