[ericmcginn5]

I am starting a planted tank and I used orgain miracle grow choice mix for my substrate and toped it of with sand I am going toget a aqatic life t5 dual bulbs ho 24 watts a bulb is this strong enofe for a heaviely planted 20 galoon tall sorry about spelling lol

 

[BraveBuc]

Yeah, you are more likely to have too much light. You will need CO2 or reduce the lighting one way or another.

 

[ericmcginn5]

You think its 2 much light its not even 3 watts a galoon and will my substrate be fine

 

[greaser84]

That's more than enough light. Keep your photoperiod down or you'll run into algae. Are you using co2? Heavily planted usually means you can't see the back of the tank or any substrate.

 

[greaser84]

You think its 2 much light its not even 3 watts a galoon and will my substrate be fine

Watts per gallon is pretty outdated.

 

[ericmcginn5]

Well I havent ordered the light yet have any better ideas max I can pay is 90 for a 24 inch fixture.

 

[BraveBuc]

Well I havent ordered the light yet have any better ideas max I can pay is 90 for a 24 inch fixture.

I'm not real up to day on T5 fixtures. However, a single bulb Hagen glo comes to mind. I think the light will still be a little high but it comes with a hanging kit. If you are ok with hanging it, then you could raise it up to get the right intensity. If you are just going to have it right above the tank, a single bulb T5NO fixture would work but I have no recommendation for that.

If you read this thread: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=184368

You should be able to figure out what you need.