choosing the right lamp

[luminor]

Hey, so I'm setting up this new tank for bettas and I'm stuck on the lighting part. I don't have any lights, but I do have this old heat lamp from my hermit crab days. I was thinking, could I just use that with a daylight bulb instead of buying separate lights? The lamp's got a basking bulb in it now, which would obviously heat up the water, so I'd need to swap that out. Does that sound crazy or is it doable?

[SeaBidder]

I'd advise against it since the heat lamp isn't designed for use over water, and if it fell in, it could be disastrous for your betta. I've got a suction cup light bar that I picked up on EBay a couple of years ago for $7.00, and it's been working great in my QT tank - I just make sure not to submerge it. You might want to consider something similar. Some people do use desk lamps, but they can be an electrical risk as well. Keep us updated on how your tank setup goes.

[luminor]

Will do, thanks for the advice

[infold]

I've always been a fan of those aquarium strip lights, but seeing all the creative tank setups here has me rethinking things. I love how some people use floating plants to create a dark, natural environment - it really does seem to help the fish feel more at ease. And I agree, bright lights can be pretty spooking for them. Your idea of repurposing that reptile light isn't crazy at all - I actually considered something similar, but with a Gro-Lux bulb. There's something about incandescent lighting that just feels more natural to me, you know? It's got a warm, gentle glow that I think could work really well in a tank. Just be careful, like SeaBidder said - you don't want that light falling into the water.

[fineman]

If you're planning to use the heat lamp with a bulb, I'd suggest going for a 6500k fluorescent one, especially if you've got plants. Incandescent bulbs can be pricey when it comes to electricity costs. I've had good luck with t8 18 inch 6500k fluorescent bulbs in a couple of my tanks - they work a treat for low-light plants like anubias.

[infold]

If you're planning to use the heat lamp with a bulb, I'd suggest going for a 6500k fluorescent one, especially if you've got plants. Incandescent bulbs can be pricey when it comes to electricity costs. I've had good luck with t8 18 inch 6500k fluorescent bulbs in a couple of my tanks - they work a treat for low-light plants like anubias.

I still think incandescent is the way to go, though. There's just something about that warm, natural glow that can't be beat. And let's be real, those utility company executives need to eat too, right?

[fineman]

You can find fluorescent bulbs in a "warm white" variety, around 3000k, that mimic the glow of incandescent bulbs. These might be a good option if you don't have plants in your tank. However, if you do have plants, I'd recommend sticking with the 6500k bulbs, as they're more suitable for plant growth.

[fineman]

I've been experimenting with different methods to create a more natural environment in my tanks, and I've found that using India almond leaves can be really effective. I boil them in water, then let them cool before adding them to the tank. This not only darkens the water, but also helps to lower the pH.

[SeaBidder]

LED lights are pretty nice, I think. They're softer and give off less heat. I recall those old fluorescent lights - they'd light up the whole room, it seemed. I'm quite fond of my Marineland hood, it's got a nice feature that lets me switch to blue lighting in the evenings.

[coltin]

You could repurpose a desk lamp if you've got one sitting next to the aquarium - just swap out the globe.