[nsgrkg]

Tank dimensions are 38 x 27 x 22. Because of the traingular shape of the tank, the fixture can't be any longer than ~29 1/2". The current fixture is 29 5/8" long with two 17watt T12 bulbs. I am wondering if two 24watt T5 bulbs may be enough light for low/moderate to moderate light plants because of the higher output of the T5. I want to have enough light for a planted tank without the added expense of CO2. The T5 fixture I am considering, the Nova Extreme SLR T-5, has one 10,000K daylight and a pink plant growth lamp. My research of lighting has me leaning toward possibly replacing these lights with the Giesemann Powerchrome Midday T5 High Output Fluorescent Lamp and the PowerChrome Aqua Flora T5 Lamp, each with 24 watts. Can anyone tell me: Will this provide a superior lighting over the standard lamps on this fixture, or should I just stay with what is on the fixture? Will this provide adequate wattage for my goal? I can always keep or add back the current T12 fixture. From what I have read, I may be able to use this fixture with T8 bulbs.