Recommend a 15W bulb

[CSM]

I have a 5 gallon tank and I bought a 15W bulb to go in the light fixture. I don't remember the brand, but I bought it at Petsmart. I do remember that it said something about improves color of fish. And at first it made the aquarium look great. But within a month or so I noticed it didn't like up like it use to.

Is there a better brand I can buy or is this the normal lifespan of the bulb.

Jason

 

[CSM]

I have done some searching and found that some people bought small fluorescent bulbs that screw in. I've looked at Petco, Petsmart, and Home Depot for these bulbs, but I can't find them locally. I did notice that BigAl's carried them but I would rather support the lfs. I'll be going to a few tomorrow

Where did everyone get their bulbs?

Jason

 

[RedTurquoise]

I usually go to Home Depot to buy my bulbs however the bulb may be an unusal length. Sometimes you have to go to the lfs. Brands? Whatever fits into your budget!

 

[Torpedo]

First I check my lfs. If they don' carry it I'll check Petco/Petsmart and compare the price with BigAls. My feeling is...support your lfs, if they don't carry it or can't order it...then it's pure pricing that determines the purchase place.

 

[catfishmike]

if the fixture is a screw in try a mini power compact by all-glass aquarium.it's rated at ten watts and i love it for my planted tank.should cost 7-8 dollars for one from bigal's

 

[CSM]

thanks catfishmike. i did see those on bigal's, but i would like to pick them up at a lfs if possible.

I was just worried that it would be too much light if i added a floating plant like najas(leaning toward najas). And it is in a 5 gallon tank.

Jason

 

[CSM]

well, i stopped by a Super Kmart that is closing this evening and I found a compact fluorescent bulb made by Sunbeam for only $2 after tax. It is rated at 14W and outputs 630 lumens. The package claims 55W of light from a 14W bulb. Well, i put it in the tank and it really, really like up the tank. I bought just a normal clear 15W bulb a few weeks ago. I'm just gonna leave that in the tank until the hornwort grows some more and can provide more shade.