Lighting a 20g Tank

1701 Views 15 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Jdinh04, Nov 21, 2007

jabf2006

Discussion Starter · Nov 21, 2007

I'm new to this. I have a 20 gallon tank and I want to make sure I have the appropriate lighting. I often read about watts/gallon ratio and for most plants to grow well it needs to be above 2 watts/gallon, or even up to 3 - 4 watts per gallon.

Right now I'm using a Life-Glo 2 15W T-8 6700K bulb. To me, this would seen as not enough once the simple arithmetic is done:

15W/20G = .75w/g.

However, the market does not seem to supply a more intense bulb 18 inches long.

Any suggestions?

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

Matthew_Machine

· #2 · Nov 21, 2007

I can't really vouch for T8 bulbs. I realized early on that i would be SOL trying to light a planted tank with shop-size bulbs. There's always overdriving them...

My suggestion: search the forums/etc for a used PC fluro lighting setup. It's probably the easiest ticket into the planted tank world. Or if you're a DIY person, ahsupply.com is a nice weekend project.

jabf2006

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 21, 2007

I was looking at this: http://www.petsandponds.com/securest...6512136.2.html

Does something like that replace my canopy? It appears the specs of the bulb is right on...

Matthew_Machine

· #4 · Nov 21, 2007

bum link. how long is your tank?

jabf2006

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 21, 2007

23 5/8 inches

The link was to this:
Coralife FRESHWATER 24" 65 Watt Aqualight
Deluxe Series - Single Linear Strip with 65 watt 6700K Compact Fluorescent Lamp. Great bulb for growing lush freshwater plants.

built-in ballast
on/off switch
sleek aluminum housing
(5"W x 2.1"H)
highly-polished reflector
acrylic lens cover

See less See more

Matthew_Machine

· #6 · Nov 21, 2007

I have a 20" version of that lamp which I will be retrofitting next week for more watts than the 28 that came with it. I like the coralife models. I think you would do ok with that above 24" fixture.

edit: also, it's fairly narrow, so if you don't want an open top tank you'll need to get a glass or plastic cover

danepatrick

· #7 · Nov 21, 2007

get the 2x65w fixture from Coralife.

jabf2006

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 21, 2007

the 2X65w is a little pricey, and in keeping with what seems to be the 2 - 3 w/gallon ratio, the one 65w would seem to work.

But just so I understand, that fixture completely replaces my canopy, right?

jabf2006

Discussion Starter · #9 · Nov 21, 2007

I guess you answered my last question with your "edit"...didn't see that...

Matthew_Machine

· #10 · Nov 21, 2007

jabf - see my edit above. not really.

danepatrick's suggestions begs the question: what plants would you like to grow?

jabf2006

Discussion Starter · #11 · Nov 21, 2007

besides debris being able to easily fall into the tank, would there be any other issues with an open top?

Matthew_Machine

· #12 · Nov 21, 2007

fish "carpet surfing" aka jumping out. Arguably evaporation.

jabf2006

Discussion Starter · #13 · Nov 21, 2007

Nothing that will require a $150 lighting fixture. . . this is my first tank, just trying to keep it simple

danepatrick

· #14 · Nov 21, 2007

jabf2006 said:
besides debris being able to easily fall into the tank, would there be any other issues with an open top?

if you have concerns about anything getting into or out of it. e.g. kids, pets, fish jumping out.

it mounts on your tank. i'm thinking about selling mine. has been used for about 4 months now. VERY GENTLY USED. i'll ask $125 shipped. that includes the tank mounts themselves which are always sold separately. (see dr.fostersmith for $149 + shipping)

jabf2006

Discussion Starter · #15 · Nov 21, 2007

Well, I would be paying in canadian dollars, which makes it an even better deal

However, I really can't spend that much on this at the moment. I appreciate the offer though.

Jdinh04

· #16 · Nov 21, 2007

I'm just using the single Coralife fixture on my 20g tank with a 8,000k bulb. It grows plants great!

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

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