Anyone?... id like to get this tank started up, but I really need some help with lighting suggestions!
lighting for 20 gallon
I'm considering buying a 20 gallon tank, and I had a few lighting questions/configurations. As for plants I will be growing HC, Anubis nana, java moss, rotala indica, green and red wendtii, and hairgrass. The plants are currently under 27 watts pc in a 6.6 gallon bookshelf with co2 and growing great. For the 20 gallon I have 2 27 watt pc bulbs laying around as well as 2 18 watt t5's. I would like to use co2 and ferts like I am currently using for quick growth. What would be my best option for lighting? Both pc's, both t5's, one pc, one t5? Thanks!
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the 2x27 watt pc bulbs gives more watts per gallon than the other two. 2x27=54/20(gallons)=2.7 wpg which is close to 3 wpg. I say go for it. I also have a 20 gallon tank with a 24" Nova Extreme 4x24watt which gives 4.8 wpg. I can tell you now that my plants love it, they start pearling after about 20 minutes after i turn the light on. i have 2x24 watt Freshwater Flora bulbs and 2x24 watt 10k bulbs. you should try all the combinations to see what works for you.
Do you have a 24 x 12 x 16 or 30 x 12 x 12 tank? The two shapes need different amounts of light.
I have the 24 x 12 x 16 standard 20 gallon tall tank. Sorry for not specifying. I went with the 2x27 watt PC's each with their own reflectors each centered on either side of the tank right at the top. The tank has been setup for a few days and I'm seeing some growth out of the rotala already, but I still have my concerns. I'm running DIY co2 and flourish fertilizer. Will this be a good setup? Thanks!
I have a feeling this is too little light as my rotala rotundifolia leaves have grown much larger after moving them into this tank. Is that a good sign of too little lighting? Everything is growing, but I would like optimum lighting for this tank. I could really use some help/suggestions as to what would be best on a bit of a budget (college student). Thanks!
Through some research of similar setups I have narrowed it down to three options.... my current 2x27 watt pc's in seperate reflectors directly on top of the tank, single t5ho on top of tank, or two t5no's on top of tank. I'm looking for relatively high lighting but not too high for the diy co2 and simple ferts for optimum growth and little algea. Final thoughts? Where are you Hoppy? haha 
The T5HO single bulb, with a good reflector, would give you high light. A 2 bulb T5NO light would give about the same. The two PC bulbs, assuming they are the kind with 4 contacts in the base, not screw in ones, would give you low light, if they are in a cheap fixture, or medium light if they are AH Supply light kits. I think the 2 bulb T5NO light would work the best, because it doesn't have as much of a shadows problem as single bulb lights do.
And hoppy comes in for the save once again! Thank you very much! Any particular fixture/wattage you recommend?
Low light, Hoppy? I've told him incorrectly then. I assumed this would be medium light. Sorry, op!The T5HO single bulb, with a good reflector, would give you high light. A 2 bulb T5NO light would give about the same. The two PC bulbs, assuming they are the kind with 4 contacts in the base, not screw in ones, would give you low light, if they are in a cheap fixture, or medium light if they are AH Supply light kits. I think the 2 bulb T5NO light would work the best, because it doesn't have as much of a shadows problem as single bulb lights do.
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