5 gallon high light suggestions

[Corridor]

I have been trying to find light fixtures locally but to no avail with only a single t-8 fluorescent strip light which in a 5 gallon is considered low light if I was reading correctly. I might have acess to online but was thinking if 3 if those mini compact fluorescents fluval makes would be better instead of the 15w fluorescent?? Any suggestions would be appriciated

[BruceF]

I am not sure I understand your question. Isn’t the stock light for a 5 g the 15 w florescent? If you want high light buy the two bulb incandescent fixture and put two 13 w compact spiral daylight bulbs in it. If you just want a cheap light buy a clip light and put one spiral bulb in it.

[somewhatshocked]

Three Fluval fixtures would put you on the high end of high light. Two would be sufficient but you would definitely need to dose ferts and use CO2.

What are the dimensions of your tank? How many inches from the substrate will the light be placed?

As BruceF suggested, daylight CFLs are a cheaper and more reliable way to go. You can use a desk lamp or clamp-style work lamps from the hardware store. Bulbs are cheap and last a long time.

[minicrazy592]

What this guy says^^^^

[Corridor]

5.5 gallon
20.8
17 x 9 x 11 (inches)
43.2 x 22.9 x 27.9 cm
I guess they would be on top of the tank and I might just go with the cfl's for most efficient and cost worthy. And if the fluval ones are fine can I go with 3 cfl's? Thanks for helping

[somewhatshocked]

No, three Fluval fixtures will put you on the high end of high light. There is no need for three. Even using two of them will require the use of pressurized CO2 and EI dosing of ferts. You will still be in high light with that particular tank.

Do note, however, that the light fixtures you're talking about will not clip to the side of a standard tank. They only clip on to glass.

If you want to use standard screw-in spiral CFL bulbs, you can refer to the lighting sticky for details about PAR ratings for particular bulbs to help you figure out where you want to be.

[laqu]

how do you guys use the clamp light on the fish tank (the cfl ones) and which ones?