Egmel
Fishaholic
Not stupid questions at all.
Watts = power used by the light. While not exactly the same as the light power output it will be proportional. So if you have 2 x 15watt bulbs then it's practically the same as a single 30watt bulb. (I say practically because there will always be some differences in how much power a bulb manages to convert to light energy).
There is a way to measure the exact light output in lumens but really that's way too much detail for what we need here and requires some specialist equipment.
Kelvins don't add up in the same way. Kelvin is a measure of the colour of light, if you buy 2 red bulbs and shine them on the same place, you'll still get a red light it'll just be brighter. However you don't have to get both the same, you could get one at 5500K for the plants and one at 4000K because you like the colour! The higher the kelvin rating the bluer the bulb.
I've found it's a bit trial and error, I don't particularly like the Hagen Aqua Glo I've got, now I compare it to my Arcadia Freshwater bulbs (The aqua glo is too pink), however it was a lot better than the ones I had that came with my tank!
Watts = power used by the light. While not exactly the same as the light power output it will be proportional. So if you have 2 x 15watt bulbs then it's practically the same as a single 30watt bulb. (I say practically because there will always be some differences in how much power a bulb manages to convert to light energy).
There is a way to measure the exact light output in lumens but really that's way too much detail for what we need here and requires some specialist equipment.
Kelvins don't add up in the same way. Kelvin is a measure of the colour of light, if you buy 2 red bulbs and shine them on the same place, you'll still get a red light it'll just be brighter. However you don't have to get both the same, you could get one at 5500K for the plants and one at 4000K because you like the colour! The higher the kelvin rating the bluer the bulb.
I've found it's a bit trial and error, I don't particularly like the Hagen Aqua Glo I've got, now I compare it to my Arcadia Freshwater bulbs (The aqua glo is too pink), however it was a lot better than the ones I had that came with my tank!
ill start a plant journal when i start work on the 10. might be a month or 2 but im really excited about this so of course im gona get to it as fast as i can. in reaserching DIY projects iv actually descovered that not only does making a good stand and hood seem extremly do-able but also building the aquarium itself! i cant wait! wish me good luck! and thanks for all the help. if iv got another question ill be sure to ask 
