I got the AGA Mini-Compact about 2 weeks ago for my 5.5g freshwater FO tank.
Wow is it really bright (at least 2-4X brighter) and runs cool. I nearly
melted the cheap plastic hood once trying to use a incandescent bulb that I
wasn't supposed too. I now have to use a heater once again because the heat
from the Mini-Compact bulb is not enough to keep the water temp up to
acceptable levels. My incandescent light would get the tank up to 84 degrees
by the time it shut off at night.

Also I was at the LFS this week and saw a 50/50 Mini-Compact bulb from
Coralife.
http://www.esuweb.com/new_site/ccc_mini
This is the only place on the web I could find it with a quick google search
(bulk sale site). It was physically on the shelf at the LFS right next to
the AGA one so they do exist.

"Papa Smurf" wrote in message
...
Cris,

I have been thinking about just taking some silicone sealant and
making
my own seal to keep the damp out. I did find the following however that
may
eliminate the need for any modification of this tank. It's a mini-compact
fluorescent bulb. Here is the info and link.

MINI COMPACTT
Aquarium Lighting

All-Glass Aquarium has available an efficient 10 Watt Mini CompactT
replacement bulb for the small aquarium. This new bulb features more
natural
aquarium lighting and easily screws into many aquarium hoods and
strip-lights. This bulb provides 6500 K light that promotes live aquatic
plant growth for your fresh and sal****er aquariums. Mini Compact Bulbs
also
features the equivalent light output of 50 watts of light. Longer 6000
hour
life replaces 6 incandescent bulbs and the Mini Compact uses less energy
to
operate. All-Glass Mini Compact aquarium Bulbs are C UL US listed and
operate on 110 - 130 VAC.

http://www.all-glass.com/products/other/default.html



Dan


"Papa Smurf" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I'm new to the forum and I hope to learn quite a bit before moving
on
to
a larger tank. I recently purchased a Marineland 5 Gallon Hex tank for
my
desk at work and all in all it seems to be an excellent tank for my
needs
but it is lacking 1 thing, fluorescent lighting. This tank only comes
with
incandescent lighting and it is only a 15W bulb at that. So, my
questions
are, is there a proven way to retrofit the tank lid so I can place a
small
13W compact Fluorescent bulb into it and what types of plants would be
suitable for a tank of this size? I am currently using a compact
fluorescent bulb of the type you would use in a household lamp and am
afraid
that it would not supply enough of the right type of light to support
plant
life let alone be safe for extended use in such damp environs. Any
information provided would be greatly appreciated and is eagerly
awaited.





Dan

PS

I am posting to both groups as I feel that my questions pertain to both.
If
I am mistaken in my belief, then I extend my apologies.