[Nessabobessa]

Hello everyone! So I have the setup from the Top Fin 10 gallon starter kit with the incandescent bulbs. I read that those types of bulbs can promote algae growth, so I bought 13 Watt CFLs that are 6500K warmth. Are these appropriate for this hood and tank?

I would eventually like to dabble in live plants, but at this point I only have a marimo moss ball. Is this lighting too strong?

Also, I'm concerned that the water will get on the bulbs and possibly harm my betta. Valid concern or overreacting?

 

[Nessabobessa]

Thank you! I'll put my marimo in a shady spot to see if that helps, but wow what a difference in light! No more yellow tank! I got a programmable light, and currently I have it three hours on, two hours off, two hours on, two hours off, then two hours back on again and off for the rest of the night.

I do have another question though. I brought my betta, Rhaegar, home about a week ago. I know that glass surfing and flaring is common while he's adjusting, but I noticed that he definitely flares more when the lights are on. A little bit of flaring is good exercise, but I don't want him to be stressed out. Any tips or guidance on this?

 

[Nessabobessa]

Gotcha! That makes a lot of sense too. I would make the rest of it brighter, but my apartment has almost zero lights. Maybe an additional lamp will help

I'm going to try black posterboard and black clings for now, maybe see if I can invest in acrylic sheets if these aren't a plausible option. The tough part is going to be managing an electric saw (read: I'm clumsy and my dad sawed off the tip of his thumb previously)