[AlexS89]

I just set up a 10 gal nano tank and it came with the stock lightbulbs and hood and I was told that I would not be able to sustain a corals and anenomes with this level of lighting, does anyone have any suggestions for what kinds of lights I should get? i'm in a college dorm so i would really prefer having a hood on the tank but I have been having lots of trouble finding high power lighting that comes with a 10 gal hood. does any one have any alternatives or suggestions?

[BLKBRDTA]

What are the dimensions of your tank? 20" or 24" long? that will decide what type of light you will need. If you plan on keeping SPS and LPS corals then you should strive for T5's as im not too sure about putting a Metal Halide on a 10 gal. Corals are very sensitive to pH, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia, Calcium, Gravity/Salinity, Phosphorus levels an many more so constantly check them and water changes will be your best friend with a tank that size. Finding a light that will fit under a hood or canopy is pretty hard for the nano tanks, but I would recommend going with a retrofit style ballast under 100W of total system power. Post up your tank dimensions and we will figure this out.

[AlexS89]

its 20 in. by 10 i think? I was looking at some coralife lights that are 20 in. with a 96 watt light and the current satellite series with two 40 watt bulbs

[BLKBRDTA]

Thats a good choice for a tank that size. 96W is the highest power I would go though, as the depth is only a foot and you don't need too much power to get through the water surface. Coralife is a great brand, I know eBay has some great deals on lights as well. like retrofits and such. Anyways, 96W max, and if you do go with a double bulb ballast, then try and mix the two combo's up e.g. 1 50/50, 1 CF, or 1 CF, 1 Actinic. This will help you supply the required spectrum for the corals as needed. Here are some links to lights that would be perfect on your tank..

Coralife 20" Aquarium 96w 50/50 Aqualight Strip Light - eBay (item 270189489880 end time Feb-12-09 14:18:49 PST)

Current USA 20" 80w Dual Satellite 4 Spectrum Strip - eBay (item 270192163883 end time Jan-21-09 14:25:06 PST)

CURRENT 20" Orbit 2x40w SunPac w/Lunar Light & Fan - eBay (item 370053266711 end time Feb-13-09 07:36:37 PST)

Just a few examples to base off of.

[AlexS89]

i was looking into the retrofits and I have a pretty standard 10 gallon tank with the stock hood, i'm sure that you have seen them at a fish store, so i was wondering if it was possible to retrofit my hood with an 80 watt light like this one Current USA SunPaq Compact Fluorescent Retrofit, 2X40 Watt, 20 inch

[BLKBRDTA]

Thats another light that is perfect for your tank, retro's work nice on the hard to configure situations. From what the description said, the unit comes with a ballast, so you can take the stock light off all together and just put on the retrofit. Current makes great products as well, I have been down that road years ago with a 10 gal tank and was very satisfied with the price and the outcome.