[adrian_3]

Im planning of creating a medium to heavily planted tank with all those kinds of plants in it. particularly HC cuba as my foreground carpet. do u guys think 2x24W T5HO would still be too much for a 10 Gallon tank? or i can just double or triple up my DIY Co2 and Fertilizers?

 

[Wasserpest]

If you don't mind the maintenance related to insane growth and constant dosing, the higher initial and ongoing expense, possible problems with heat transfer, and the fact that 2ft bulbs overhang a 10gal tank by a couple of inches, I don't see any problems doing this.

I wouldn't start it out that way, the risk of turning it into some algae farm is pretty high. Once it is established/algae free for a few weeks, you can go full blast.

 

[Hoppy]

One of those T5HO bulbs would give you high light intensity. Two gives twice as much light. If the purpose of a hobby is to keep you busy doing things, this might work perfectly. You will certainly be busy.

 

[jreich]

you wont be able to stare at your tank for more then a moment without the risk of going blind. kind of like looking directly at the sun... :icon_cool

 

[jargonchipmunk]

it's not THAT bad. I have a 15gal (24x12x12) with the same lighting. I have the light raised ~8 inches off the water's surface. Definitely listen to the experienced here on the constant maintenance though. My tank is on my desk at work so I have ample moments to reach in and prune a thing or two and am always looking at it. I don't think this setup would fare as well at my house.

 

[tankster]

Heed the advice of Wasserpest and Hoppy. A second T5HO is not necessary and will give you an algae farm.

 

[adrian_3]

Just bought the t5ho light fixture from aquaticlife 2x24W. i dont think its that bright. i thought my regular fluorescent which is only 15W single is more brighter. the first light is pinkish so its not that bright, its called roseate lamp and the other is a 6,000K lamp. since i added another DIY co2, my neons started grasping for air so i have to use just one 2L bottle of diy co2.

 

[Green024]

Keeping your diy co2 consistant is key with high lighting setup, just remember that algae will be knocking on your front door, or busting through a window if your co2 isnt maintained.
I would also try what Wasserpest stated,

Once it is established/algae free for a few weeks, you can go full blast.

If you want to,try starting off with one of the bulbs first, it is more than plenty of light for a 10g like what several others have said. Once you get more of a plant mass in the tank, and if you want to keep up with the extra maintenance, add the second bulb. I have the same light on the same size tank(both bulbs), and it does require a ton of trimming. I also have a bunch of Duckweed to help block some of the light. As long as my co2 stays strong, algae isnt that much of an issue.

Goodluck!