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I am completely new when it comes to lighting an aquarium, and I would like some help. I have two tanks, one of which that gets at least 16 hours of daylight through a nearby window (and therefore has algae issues...but I have 4 Ottos for that) and then there is my 15 gallon long tank.

My 15 gallon long tank is unfortunantly nowhere near a window, at least, not adequetely enough for me to feel comfortable. I would like to add some live plants for fish munching (I'm thinking about getting some Rainbows, but I'm currently waiting for the cycling to finish) and I need to know what kind of lighting I need to look for, and what size. I do have a light with a single bulb (err, rod?), and even though it claims on the box it is the right size for my tank, it easily tips into the tank.

So, what should I be looking for in lighting for a 15 gallon long tank? Also, how is one set up? There may be a chance that I found some way to stupidly not be able to set the light up properly, but there's only so many errors I can make with a single rod light setup! (I hope!)

-Silver

I'm, by far, no lighting guru. However, I can tell you that your lighting requirements will depend greatly on the type of plants you want to have in your tank. If you know what plants you want to have, post them here. I am sure it will help in your quest.

Regards,
Ketso

Hi,
It sounds like you have the tank, but did not purchase
a light for it at the time of purchase. By far, the best
type of light is the fluorescent light. A single tube
would work but a dual tube hood would be best.
Then purchase replacement bulbs from the nearest hardware
store. Buy only tubes that say DAYLIGHT or SUNLIGHT on
them. They will put out light in the 6700K range that is
best for both plants and viewing fish and seeing their
true colors. Many of the so called "Plant Friendly" bulbs
are pink, purple, or yellow in color and that affects how
we see the colors of the plants and fish. The daylight
or sunlight bulbs resemble sunlight and are the best.

As far as setting it up, read the box that the light came
in. Many have their own instructions and should be followed.
Or better yet, as the dealer that you purchase your light
from. Look at his display tanks. It is a good idea to have
a piece of glass across the top of the tank and to set the
light on top of the glass. The glass helps restrict
evaporation, prevents water from splashing onto the bulb
and fixture, and keeps the fish from jumping out of the
tank.
Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Hmmm...thanks Frank. The tank was a gift, so I didn't really get a voice in what I got since it was a surprise.

Where would you get the glass from to put on top of your tank?

Hi,
I'm sure that if you look in your phone book you will
find many stores that sell glass and will cut and polish
it for you. I measured the top of the tank so that the
piece of glass would lay on the inside of the black
plastic trim. I had them round the edges and smooth off
all the sharp edges so I'd not cut myself as I handled it.
I had it cut just short of the back so the filter tubes
and heater would fit. It was a either 1/4 or or 3/8 thick.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--