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need help with lighting for a 2g hex

Discussion in 'Aquarium Equipment & Decor' started by matrixmommy, Mar 19, 2009.

  1. matrixmommy

    matrixmommy Thread Starter New Member

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    Need to rig up a light for a 2 gallon hex tank
    Hey all. I got a "new" tank when I rescued Charlie (a cellophane veiltail male betta) from Walmart where he had been put in a tank with two red-tailed botia that were nipping him and shredding his fins. Charlie has since passed away (I think from a combination of the trauma and the fact that I didn't know the tank needed to be aerated when you use Melafix...GRR!), but I have a new guy in the tank (yes, I cleaned it thoroughly and even bought new gravel before putting the new guy in there). Anyway, it's a really nice tank. It doesn't have a filter (just a bubble stone, but that's okay for a betta), but it does have a hood with a flourescent light fixture. Only problem is, after working fine for a week or so, the light has apparently shorted out. It came with a 15watt flourescent bulb that was almost burned out (the light it emitted was a sickly yellow), so I replaced it with a 10watt flourescent bulb I got at Walmart in the fish department (I have the same bulb in my Hex5). The light worked fine all day yesterday and turned on just fine this morning, but when I got home this afternoon, it was out and won't turn back on. I think it may have shorted out. So, now I am in need of a light source for this tank and I can't just go to the store and buy a replacement because of the shape and size of the tank. Any thoughts? I'm gonna work on the light in the hood, but if I can't make it work, Liam's going to need some sort of lighting.
     
    matrixmommy, Mar 19, 2009
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  2. matrixmommy

    matrixmommy Thread Starter New Member

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    Re: Need to rig up a light for a 2 gallon hex tank

    Oh, forgot to mention that when I said "new" tank, I meant new to me. I got it at the Goodwill for $6. I'd post a pic, but Photobucket and my dial-up connection don't get along, so I'll put up a pic as soon as I'm able.
     
    matrixmommy, Mar 19, 2009
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  3. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: Need to rig up a light for a 2 gallon hex tank

    Not sure of the tank you have or what have ya....but....desk lamp. ;)
     
    James0816, Mar 19, 2009
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  4. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: Need to rig up a light for a 2 gallon hex tank

    Go to Lowes/Home Depot and pick up a little desk lamp. Depending on the style you like something like this will work.
    aimages.lowes.com_product_092903_092903123894.jpg
     
    Anthony, Mar 19, 2009
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  5. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    Top Poster Of Month

    Re: Need to rig up a light for a 2 gallon hex tank

    yea a desk lamp sound like if will work, may take a little more room but if you have plants you need a light.
     
    Anonymous, Mar 19, 2009
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  6. matrixmommy

    matrixmommy Thread Starter New Member

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    Re: Need to rig up a light for a 2 gallon hex tank

    Huh, didn't even think of a desk lamp. *Doh!* LOL! Will a desk lamp take a flourescent bulb? I don't have to have flourescent, but I like the light it gives off better than an incandescant.
     
    matrixmommy, Mar 20, 2009
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  7. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: Need to rig up a light for a 2 gallon hex tank

    Some of them do. But you can also look at CFL bulbs. Works just the same.
     
    James0816, Mar 20, 2009
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  8. matrixmommy

    matrixmommy Thread Starter New Member

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    Re: Need to rig up a light for a 2 gallon hex tank

    Cool! Thanks! It actually works out 'cuz I needed a desk lamp anyway, I've just been too lazy to go get one. Now I have an excuse. :p
     
    matrixmommy, Mar 20, 2009
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  9. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: Need to rig up a light for a 2 gallon hex tank

    np...anytime!
     
    James0816, Mar 20, 2009
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