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Permalink Reply by Robert Jango on July 22, 2012 at 11:36pm

Get the 6500K color spectrum and make sure you use at least 5 lumens per square inch of tank surface area evenly distributed over the top. Don't exceed 40 lumens per square inch. The size or type of light bulb is irrelevant. Go with the cheapest and/or most attractive fixture.

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Permalink Reply by Meagan Wyers, Blaine's BFF on July 23, 2012 at 2:03pm

Could i use 2 T8 bulbs in a 10 gallon densly to semi densly planted tank?

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Permalink Reply by Robert Jango on July 23, 2012 at 7:12pm

You'd have to check the packaging but 2 6500K T8 bulbs have approximately 1000 lumens each or 2000 lumens total. I'm guessing your 10 gallon tank measures about 18"length X 12" width. (Depth is not an issue here.) That's about 200 square inches of surface area. That gives you 10 lumens per square inch; so you're fine. But make sure your bulbs are in the 5000 to 6500K color spectrum. You may have to order these bulbs online. 

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Permalink Reply by Clyde on July 23, 2012 at 12:02am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFZEiCHDtGA&feature=fvwrel

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