I have had aquariums all my life since five years of age, when my uncle bought me a 15-liter (5-gallon) plexiglass aquarium and introduced me to fishkeeping. For most of my aquariums, I normally used fluorescent lamps. Because I moved to the U.S. and my new job requires a lot of travel, I have forgotten about fishkeeping for a while.
Recently I decided to get a small aquarium for my 2-year-old son. I bought a 10-gallon (38-liter) aquarium starter kit with everything, including a hood and light. The light came with two 15 watt incandescent bulbs. The incandescent bulbs (30 watts together) were heating the small aquarium water up to 29C (84F) during the day. On top of that, too powerful light will cause algae to grow quickly. As a general rule, 0.5 watt of light per liter is a right choice. In other words, my 38 liter (10-gallon) aquarium would need no more than 20 watt (not 30 watt) bulbs altogether. So I've found this 10 watt Aqueon Coralife Mini Fluorescent Colormax Lamp on amazon and ordered only one to test it first.
When I received the bulb, I decided to compare the fluorescent with incandescent, so I put one of each on the light. You could definitely tell the difference: fluorescent gives a nice brighter light (despite being 5 watts lower powered than incandescent), while the incandescent bulb was giving a yellowish light. The aquarium water seems cleaner with the light coming from this bulb. I have also posted a photo of this under customer images: http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/permalink/mo2BEZRXVJR51QA/B0002AQ444/ref=cm_ciu_images_pl_link
Apart from keeping the water temperature lower and giving bright light, fluorescent lamps consume less energy, which is great.
As some customers noted, this is just one bulb, not two as pictured. Make sure you choose the right bulb: colormax bulb gives nice bright (white) light, while the 50/50 bulb from what I have read gives ultraviolet (blue) light. I never liked those ultraviolet bulbs because especially if you have plants as I do, blue light makes your underwater garden look weird.
So far I am happy with the purchase. I have just ordered the second one, so I could use on the other side of the hood. I wish these bulbs did not cost as much, and I wish that they were sold at local stores.
I used these bulbs to replaced the regular incandescent bulbs that were supplied with my 10 gallon fish tank starter kit (freshwater tank). These bulbs are considerably brighter than the bulbs supplied with my kit. The coloring of the fish was obviously enhanced when viewed under these bulbs and my fish looked more like they did in the fish store when I purchased them.
As for temperature, I have not seen obvious increases in water condensation or salt build up on the clear plastic under my hood, directly beneath these bulbs. Further, I have not seen any obvious increase in algae growth.
Again, these bulbs are very bright and you may want to consider replacing your bulbs one at a time with these so the fish can acclimate.
Shipping was on time with no problems.
Perfect.
Buy Coralife 05508 Mini Flourescent Colormax Lamp, 10-Watt Now
Good light, and fast shipping as always. Was a little pricey, but well worth it. Only had it on for a few days, so we will see how it goes.
Read Best Reviews of Coralife 05508 Mini Flourescent Colormax Lamp, 10-Watt Here
I have kept aquaria for more than 25 years. This bulb is the one I have most often used and it is extremely durable (lasts >6 months routinely) and provides a nice color in the tank.
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Okay, so I have been google-ing more information about Coralife Colormax bulbs and if they work with planted aquariums but could NOT find any info so decided to purchase one anyway. Well, it works alright, it keeps plants alive and growing (my anacharis plants grow about maybe an inch or two weekly). The color is not as bright as you would expect to see (compared to that of a 6500k bulb), also the leaves on my anacharis plants do look vivid green, however, my plants could look a lot more "alive" or "happier". While I do like the color it gives off, many people do seem to dislike the dimmer color it gives off, however, perhaps if paired with a 6500k CFL, that works just great. I recommend this CLF light bulb for a low light planted aquarium, however, if you are looking for more live looking plants I say just skip this bulb and go for a 6500k CFL instead.
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I was having PH crash problems in my fish tank when we moved to a town with a different tap water supply...for some reason I couldn't get my goldfish water to maintain a PH above 6.4!!! My poor babies :( I tried every chemical known to man, and it's a miracle my fish survived. I finally found a website online that suggested coral as a PH buffer. I put about 1/4 c in a hanging mesh bag into the water and keep it there 24/7...and now the PH is 7.4. I have a 14.5 gallon tank. I heard that mixing the coral straight into the substrate causes nitrate issues down the road when it breaks down, which is why I keep it in a bag. I can't support whether that is true, but my method has worked just fine so far, and I've replaced it once in the last year. I highly suggest trying this if you have the same issue like me!
