20gal long lighting (DIY related)

[Wolfpack2293]

First post

I've just started getting heavily into planted tanks and have decided to go out, however my cheapness is causing some restrictions.

I've been doing some research, and I think I understand the basics of plant growth and maintenance enough to begin my planted adventure with my 20 long guppy/cory tank. So my question is, would 2-4 23 watt CFL lights (5000k or 6500k) be enough for medium light? I'm not looking for some insane light, just a moderate level.

Also, if someone could provide me with a DIY link to do this SAFELY it would be greatly appreciated. I can search, just tell me to get off my butt and do it.

:P thanks in advance.

[thesawguy]

Hey Wolfpack,
I recently set up a 20 Gallon long with two 20 watt 6500k CFLs hanging in those cheap metal workshop clip lights from walmart about 12" above the tank. It seems to be working well, just root tabs no CO2. I'm only getting a little algae, might just be because it's new.

[Wolfpack2293]

That helps, so since mine will be closer to the water I know that I won't need more than 2. Are yours sideways or aiming down to the water?

[Wolfpack2293]

Probably should have read the sticky... What about that new guy, heh?

[thesawguy]

Originally Posted by Wolfpack2293

That helps, so since mine will be closer to the water I know that I won't need more than 2. Are yours sideways or aiming down to the water?

Tank on the left. Straight down but reflected.

[Wolfpack2293]

Do you think that maybe using the pin style CFL's over spiral in a horizontal setup would be sufficient?

[talontsiawd]

I have never done this but I am a big fan of CFL's as it is really adjustable as you can replace the bulbs and change the height of the light. I use CFL's on small tanks.

Every 20 long journal I see with these lights use 2 of them, on occasion 3. So I would just do two.

I wouldn't worry about trying to improve on the idea, you can eve get straight style ones that screw in but they are had to find in the right spectrum. It works well as is and can be attractive looking with the right reflector choice and no other work. I would just stick to what everyone else has done successfully.