[relaxedcrazyman]

Hey everyone, I am looking to buy a new hood for my 10g tank. I am looking for recommendations. It is a standard rectangular tank. It is pretty heavily planted, so I would like something that will provide higher wattage lighting for the whole tank.
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[Mikaila31]

Get a cheap dual incandescent hood and put some daylight CFLs in it. That can give you about 26-28 watts of light which is plenty for a 10g.

 

[sprmankalel]

Get a cheap dual incandescent hood and put some daylight CFLs in it. That can give you about 26-28 watts of light which is plenty for a 10g.

That's what I did. I am going to start setting it up sooooon!

 

[relaxedcrazyman]

will going with higher wattage promote plant growth and help eliminate hair algae?

 

[sprmankalel]

Use only the wattage as stated by the hood. Most are 15 watts per bulb. I got a set of 3 6500k cfl bulbs from Walgreens for $9. They're 13 watt and my hood is 15. It's the spectrum (Kelvin rating) that's going to promote plant growth. Proper nutrient levels are going to stop algae growth. Thus will take experimentation.
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[relaxedcrazyman]

what i meant was that if i get a hood with higher wattage/gallon, will the extra lighting help plant growth, thus helping eliminate algae

 

[sprmankalel]

Nutrient balance will keep algae in check. Though you're not going to be algae free. It's a part of the nature of the tank. Fast growing plants will help too. These would be your stem plants in general.
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