[FishStix]

I have 2 20L QT tanks, that I need to decide on lights. I want something simple.

odyssea 30" T5 Dual High Output Light Fixture 6500K, what do you guys think? It mostly going to be QT tank for the first few months, then maybe grow out for fry and plants later on. I don't want to spend a lot, but also want something that will last a while.

Thanks

 

[Edub]

a dual t5 HO fixture on a 20L tank is a lot of light. You will most likely have algae problems if you arent dosing excel, ferts, or co2. Or all.

A more suitable option would be a dual t5 NO (normal output) fixture, but I have personally had some serious problems with the coralife brand and would not recommend you buy from them unless you want to replace bulbs every few weeks. At $18 bucks a pop the bulbs are not cheap.

the cheapest and most readily available option IMO is to get some of those cheap dome light fixtures and grab some CFL bulbs to put in them. You will spend a few bucks per fixture and a couple of bucks for a pack of bulbs, and they should provide low-med light which will be fine for a QT/fry grow out tank. If you need more light down the road you can always add more fixtures.

 

[FishStix]

a dual t5 HO fixture on a 20L tank is a lot of light. You will most likely have algae problems if you arent dosing excel, ferts, or co2. Or all.

A more suitable option would be a dual t5 NO (normal output) fixture, but I have personally had some serious problems with the coralife brand and would not recommend you buy from them unless you want to replace bulbs every few weeks. At $18 bucks a pop the bulbs are not cheap.

the cheapest and most readily available option IMO is to get some of those cheap dome light fixtures and grab some CFL bulbs to put in them. You will spend a few bucks per fixture and a couple of bucks for a pack of bulbs, and they should provide low-med light which will be fine for a QT/fry grow out tank. If you need more light down the road you can always add more fixtures.

Thanks for the advise, I don't want to have to dose these tanks. Mostly for the fry tank, I want to be able to see it and have some low light plants in it, and the grow out tank, same thing I want to be able to throw some plants in it, and know they will be OK for a few days, again all low light plants. I looked at those dome lights, but I only have 10 inches above each tank so I don't think those would work. Lowes had a T8 or T5 single light that said it was for plants, I am wondering if I should just get one of those for each tank.