Is there any way to tell what type of light bulb I have?

Question

I got a 10 gal aquarium with a hood and light at a salvation army. Is there any way to tell what kind of light bulb it is? I want to see if it will support my plants.. I don;t want to just toss it.

Thanks for reading.

Answer 1

If you could at least describe the effin light bulb to us, then yeah.

Answer 2

Working for Home Depot, I have found that the wattage is either on the glass bulb or stamped into the brass base. Most Aquaria lights are tubular, and about 18 watts,or they heat the water too much. Take the bulb or fixture to your local HD electrical associate!

Ah! A small fluorescent, indeed. Most of them emit plenty of UV for the plants. Again, Home Depot has one!

Answer 3

10 gallon tank with florence bulb would be a 15 watt bulb

in a tank with plants I recomend a 3 or 4 bulb hood over the standard 1 buld hood it is going to depend on your plants if that bulb does the trick

Answer 4

if it has prongs on the end, then it's a flourescent bulb.  the bulb should have a brand name and a number near the end.  Google the brand name and compare the numbers.  Most likely, if it was a salvation army find, it is a basic broad spectrum light that isn't good for bright light plants.  Also, you should replace plant bulbs every six months as the effectivness of the bulbs dimminishes over time, regardless of how bright the light looks.

If the bulb has an end like a regular light bulb, then it is incadescent and not suited for plant life.  you will need a whole new hood.  To find out what wattage and type of bulb you have for this type, look at the metal end.  Written in small numbers and letters should be the wattage of the bulb.  

Answer 5

Just get a plant bulb at the local store and install it and watch your plants grow.