Max lighting for a 20 gal. tank?

[Submariner]

Hi all again. Another question for you guys!

I'd like to increase the lighting in my tank. I don't know if it's just the tannin from my driftwood, but it seems dark in there. What's the maximum wattage bulb you'd recommend in a 20 gallon tank? I have only one live plant in there, an umbrella. My stock is in my sig. Right now my hood says I have a 19 watt light, and the bulb says 15 watt. My wife got me the setup for X-mas and everything came together as a package so that's what I have. It sounds a bit low to me, and I'd prefer a bit more light. What should I get? And am I going to have to buy a completely new hood? Or just the light? Or the bulb? I know nothing about tank hoods or flourescent lights so help me out!

EDIT: It's an All-Glass Hood, and a 24" fixture.

 

[Lotus]

If you really want brighter light, then a new hood would be what you need to get. You could do a 65 watt compact fluorescent fixture.

As your bulb is about 6 months old, a new one might help. Unfortunately, the highest wattage bulb you're likely to find for your fixture is a 15 watt bulb.

 

[jumpfreak26]

is it a long tall, or normal tank? i would def get a powercompact fixture, they are nice to have

 

[Submariner]

I believe its a normal tank- It's about 2 feet long, 1 foot wide, and 16 inches tall.

Hmmm. Don't think I could spring for a new hood right now, I will try a new bulb though. I'd like to have a spare, anyway. I'll save the old one for a backup. Thanks.

 

[Nativefish Boy]

theres no real reason to have tons of light on it without live plants. you will have algae problems that way. try a new bulb thats the same wattage. if the bulb you have now is old it could be pretty dim.

 

[Submariner]

Just put in a new 15w bulb. I don't know if it's a lot brighter than the old one, but it's definitely whiter. My tank doesn't look nearly as yellow anymore, which I thought was all from my driftwood. I saved the old one for a spare.