What size bulbs do I need for this hood?

[namrufmot]

Got a free tank for my classroom A decent looking 55 gallon. The hood didnt come with any bulbs and it doesn't say anywhere on it what size/wattage to get! All I know is that it's a Perfecto hood and that I need T8....Here are some pics:

Thanks!

 

[SCHUYLERDR]

your bulbs

Got a free tank for my classroom A decent looking 55 gallon. The hood didnt come with any bulbs and it doesn't say anywhere on it what size/wattage to get! All I know is that it's a Perfecto hood and that I need T8....Here are some pics:

Thanks!

you need to measure the distance between where the bulbs go and then it also depends on what your going to use the tank for. let me know and i can tell you more.

 

[nichols]

2' normal output fluorescent bulbs. Most pet stores and some hardware stores sell them.

 

[namrufmot]

I did measure the "clearance" and it's 23.5".....I assume that a 24" bulb would fit??

 

[nichols]

Yep.

 

[namrufmot]

Ok next question...Home Depot sells 4100k bulbs in this size. Would live plants do ok with that or should I order some 6500k's?

 

[nichols]

Little more info would be helpful.
What do you plan on keeping in this tank?

 

[afboundguy]

That fixture wouldn't be suitable for any kind of coral, just a fish only tank...

 

[namrufmot]

I'm not doing coral...just native freshwater

 

[gweston]

For 24" T8's go for something with a high kelvin and good CRI. The higher the better especially if you intend to have plants.

For the generics, I think Coralife makes a 10k T8 bulb, and Coral Sun may have them too.

I'm not sure if one bulb is adequate for plants but fine for fish only. I guess it depends on the plant.

 

[JayM]

a normal output bulb isn't going to do much for you, especially with the white reflector, but it should be enough for a 'fish tank'

 

[namrufmot]

Thanks guys...looks like I'm ordering a pair of these:

http://www.aquariumguys.com/tropicsun1.html

 

[SCHUYLERDR]

You should be able to buy those at a local petco or petsmart

 

[wrassefan]

regular aquarium bulbs from HD would suffice if you are only doing fresh planted tank