Are We Screwed?

[K.J.]

Well... my tank has been doing good, all the plants are growing. But we only have 15 watts, and it seems that's the only amount made for a ten gallon 18" fluorescent bulb. Does anybody have a site where we could order some higher ones (preferably 25 - 50?) I can't afford to buy another strip light, since the pet shop ripped me off and made me spend about $30 more than I needer.

 

[jesseoneill]

The wattage on fluorescent bulbs has to be matched to the wattage on the fixture. That's why all you can find are 15W bulbs for your fixture. If you want to increase the wattage over your tank, the only way to do so is by adding additional lights/fixtures.

On the bright side, if you keep an eye on Ebay or Aquabid, you'll probably find a decent option that won't cost very much more than a new bulb would.

 

[SuperColey1]

Or buy power twin compacts (36W PC will fit into 16")

http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/index.php?...products_id=399

Don't know who sells them in US