20 Gallon High Bulb

[jcork1]

Hay guys! I've been a lurker to the site but I decided to join so I could learn

more. I've decided to scrape my 20 gallon and start over so I want to do it

right. I already started with two bags of eco-complete but I just need some help

as far as lighting go. After a good amount of research I've decided to go with

bulbs instead of a LED light so my first question is what's a good strong light

to start off with, I wouldn't mind growing a carpet species if possible. Also, my

hood holds one bulb but do I need to get one that holds two? Thanks for all

the help so far!

-Jack

[jcork1]

I just don't really want to spend $20 on a light that won't grow the plants I'd like to get...

[micheljq]

Originally Posted by jcork1

I just don't really want to spend $20 on a light that won't grow the plants I'd like to get...

Hello, one cheap option is to get 2 CFL 23 watts bulbs - 6500K 3 inches over your tank, suspended with 2 cheap lamp sockets.

Michel.

[Hoppy]

An ordinary 6500K T8 bulb should give you good low light on that tank, Unless you also use CO2 you can't go any higher on light without major algae problems.

[bbroush]

2 23 watts would be a little high, right? I have 2 18 watts and I've started to get some algae, but I also just dose flourish excel, and not co2. So, it just depends on what you want out of your tank. But cfl is a cheap option I think

[jcork1]

I've been using a homemade Co2 system if that does affect the lighting choice. Thanks for all the help!

[micheljq]

Originally Posted by bbroush

2 23 watts would be a little high, right? I have 2 18 watts and I've started to get some algae, but I also just dose flourish excel, and not co2. So, it just depends on what you want out of your tank. But cfl is a cheap option I think

Hi, you maybe right because I had filamentous algae in the past, but the bulbs can be put higher if this is the case. 18W bulbs are not disponible where I am, it's 13 watts, than 23 watts.

Michel.