Which light for a 20L heavily planted?

[Mike_T]

Hi everyone. First post- long time fish lover; I have had Apistogrammas for the last 15 years. :1luvu:

I have a question that cannot seem to be answered by online shopping, and my LFS doesn't have the product I'm looking for.

What size (length) bulb are they putting in CF type 30" lights? I assume they just plop a bulb suitable for a 24" opening in there and add extra "space" on the ends of the housing. This doesn't sit well wih me, because I want better coverage. It doesn't appear any fixtures have bulbs that reach close to the ends (in this particular size). Does anyone know of a 36" fixture with sliding/adjustable stand-off legs.....so that I could use it on a 30" opening?

Background to these questions: it's an apistogramma tank in my daughter's bedroom. The size is a 20 gallon (long). It will be heavily planted with moderate light requirements. I'm assuming a CF type bulb, a good reflector, and at least 65W should do it. I don't want to use a standard/HO flour fixture. I want stand-off legs and a nice looking housing. Budget is well under $200 (with bulbs).

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks,
Mike.

[Commodore 64]

More 30" fixtures than you can shake a stick at. ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.])

Testimonial from someone with a 20-long ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.])

[smaug]

I know you are asking about cf bulbs but realy the best lights going are t-5HO bulbs.There output is much better and the bulbs last longer.I have a current nova extreme fixture that is 36" long with 2 bulb and an output of 78 watts.They come in under 100 bucks and have brackets to allow them to be used over an open tank though they do not raise the fixture above the rim.
here is a link.[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]