lighting 20L low tech/Aqueon Evolve 8 with Coralife T5 NO???

ThisIsMyName · 03-19-2013, 03:51 AM

This may be covered somewhere else on the forum (and I really hate to repeat the question), but I'm still new at planted tanks and am getting lost among all the info out there. So, if someone would be willing to help, that would be awesome!

I am trying to set up a 20 gallon long community tank, but I keep getting lost, especially with lighting. I plan on mostly growing low/med light plants and might consider DIY CO2 at some point. But what light should I get? I'm considering the 30 inch Coralife Aqualight T5 Freshwater Duel Lamp Fixture, but I don't know what bulbs I need and how high I should hang it above my substrate.

Also, I currently have an Aqueon Evolve 8 with stock lighting and filtration (though I'm thinking I might modify it soon) running with narrow leaf java fern and some crypts. I will be putting the 20L on my desk next to the Evolve and have considered getting the 48 inch Coralife fixture to hang above both tanks...would this even work, or should I stick to two different fixtures?

Thanks so much in advance!

Conrad283 · 03-19-2013, 04:59 AM

I would stick to two different fixtures? Are you set on the coralife? A lot of people have the finnex fuge ray which is good for low-med light plants

ThisIsMyName · 03-19-2013, 05:36 AM

The Coralife isn't set in stone at all, I had just read several good reviews on it and since I'm trying to watch my budget I thought it might be the best option. The Finnex FugeRay 30" is $87.18 vs. the Coralife 30" being $54.74 (both on amazon).

Would I have to replace the whole Finnex fixture if the lights die? How long do they last? It may be cheaper than buying the Coralife plus bulbs, especially if the bulbs have a short life.

Though I'm trying to keep my budget low, I'm willing to spend a few extra bucks if something else is better in the long run/will be better for my plants and fish.

Dr_Hoatzin · 03-19-2013, 08:32 AM

Even if you only want low- to medium-light plants, it's not a bad idea to consider a quality LED fixture. There will soon come a day when T5/T5HO bulbs will be hard to find, the industry is rapidly moving to LED.

ThisIsMyName · 03-19-2013, 09:03 PM

Thanks, I think I may get the 30" Finnex Fugeray now...decisions, decisions

03-19-2013, 03:51 AM	#1
ThisIsMyName Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: United States Posts: 16	lighting 20L low tech/Aqueon Evolve 8 with Coralife T5 NO??? This may be covered somewhere else on the forum (and I really hate to repeat the question), but I'm still new at planted tanks and am getting lost among all the info out there. So, if someone would be willing to help, that would be awesome! I am trying to set up a 20 gallon long community tank, but I keep getting lost, especially with lighting. I plan on mostly growing low/med light plants and might consider DIY CO2 at some point. But what light should I get? I'm considering the 30 inch Coralife Aqualight T5 Freshwater Duel Lamp Fixture, but I don't know what bulbs I need and how high I should hang it above my substrate. Also, I currently have an Aqueon Evolve 8 with stock lighting and filtration (though I'm thinking I might modify it soon) running with narrow leaf java fern and some crypts. I will be putting the 20L on my desk next to the Evolve and have considered getting the 48 inch Coralife fixture to hang above both tanks...would this even work, or should I stick to two different fixtures? Thanks so much in advance!

03-19-2013, 04:59 AM	#2
Conrad283 Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Littleton, CO Posts: 243	I would stick to two different fixtures? Are you set on the coralife? A lot of people have the finnex fuge ray which is good for low-med light plants __________________ 10g and 20L

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

03-19-2013, 05:36 AM	#3
ThisIsMyName Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: United States Posts: 16	The Coralife isn't set in stone at all, I had just read several good reviews on it and since I'm trying to watch my budget I thought it might be the best option. The Finnex FugeRay 30" is $87.18 vs. the Coralife 30" being $54.74 (both on amazon). Would I have to replace the whole Finnex fixture if the lights die? How long do they last? It may be cheaper than buying the Coralife plus bulbs, especially if the bulbs have a short life. Though I'm trying to keep my budget low, I'm willing to spend a few extra bucks if something else is better in the long run/will be better for my plants and fish.

03-19-2013, 08:32 AM	#4
Dr_Hoatzin Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (5/100%) Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 39	Even if you only want low- to medium-light plants, it's not a bad idea to consider a quality LED fixture. There will soon come a day when T5/T5HO bulbs will be hard to find, the industry is rapidly moving to LED.

03-19-2013, 09:03 PM	#5
ThisIsMyName Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: United States Posts: 16	Thanks, I think I may get the 30" Finnex Fugeray now...decisions, decisions