[davesnothere]

I have a 20L x 18W x 18H tank, roughly 30 gallons. I am looking for a new light. Most of the lights I see are 2 x 24W T5 HO. Is that enough ? There are also a few LED light fixtures for around $120. Are they a good fit for my tank ?

Like this one : http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_viewi...&utm_campaign=mdamazoncpc&utm_content=AS32991

Suggestions are greatly appreciated. I need to order the fixture today, as I need to return my current light to my friend who "gave" it to me

 

[2in10]

You will be better off with the T5HO which will be sufficient for your tank. I don't think it produces enough power for your needs.

 

[davesnothere]

Is 4 x 18 W enough ? Comes to about 2.5W / gallon.

http://www.petstore.com/AquaticLife...-AquaticLife-AK01035-AQLIFUPC-AK01013-vi.html

They have a 24 inch with 4 x 24 W. Since they come with sliding legs I should be able to mount it on my 20 inch. Yes , will have 2 inches hanging on each side. Just $20 more.

 

[2in10]

That should be more than sufficient. I think 2 x 18 W would be plenty. You will need to buy their brand bulbs at replacement time. Current brand bulbs should fit also. UVL makes 18W T5HO but I think they are tuned to reef tanks though.

 

[davesnothere]

2 x 18W surely makes it a lot cheaper. But that gives me a little over 1W per gallon. That is enough ?

 

[pufferboy]

i have a 2x24" T5HO light fixture on a 18 inch cube and the light is not strong enough to penetrate to the bottom. plants near the top have good growth but plants closer to the bottom are really straggly and leggy.