Upgrading 10g to 20g planted tank, Question on lighting

**Rinfishe** · 09-13-2012, 11:58 PM

Hey guys! I'm thinking of upgrading my 10g to a 20g high tank, full planted, with intentions to have a high light tank. (Dwarf baby tears, micro swords, those types of plants included).

However, I'm fairly new to lighting and after researching a few brands im trying to decide which is better, the 24 Watt T5HO Hagen Glo Fixture, or 96 Watt Power Compact Coralife Fixture.

24 watts in a 20gH is not ideal, I've heard that you need 3-5 watts per gallon in order to have your plants thrive.

the 96W would give me 4 watts per gallon, but the 4 strip light fixture is a little intimidating, and seems costly in the long run.

here are the links:

http://www.soslightbulbs.com/hagen-g...tem-1x24w.aspx

http://www.azgardens.com/p-1056-cora...x-96-watt.aspx

I already have a DIY co2 setup in my 10g, but would feel more comfortable having a better lighting system + co2 in a 20g instead.

For those curious, my 10g has been planted for quite a while, and some might remember a thread I had earlier about a DIY setup for my plants. If anyone has any "light" to shed on the matter it would be greatly appreciated. =)

**homemadepopcorn** · 09-14-2012, 12:12 AM

If you're serious about the planting, I'd swap out your 20H for a 20L. You'll need some impressive lighting to penetrate that tank which I believe is 20" high. 96W is way too much I think... maybe something around 58W is more suited to what you're planning unless you are going to be dosing ferts religiously and willing to cope with algae problems.

EDIT: Your pun was very funny LOL.

**kross** · 09-14-2012, 12:21 AM

Power compacts suck, IMO. Go with the T5's.

**kross** · 09-14-2012, 12:36 AM

Didn't notice it was the 20 high. You'll want a dual T5HO fixture to reach the bottom.

Another option is the Finnex Ray 2 LED light. The 24" DS model is only about $90, and would give about the same light as a dual T5HO.

**Rinfishe** · 09-14-2012, 12:51 AM

Thanks for the replies guys. =)

I would love/love/love to get a 20 Long, though right now I've only got money (and the stand) for a 20G high.

I definitely considered LED's until I researched them more - some people were complaining that they only supported low-med light plants, and bottom growing/carpet plants would not thrive. I'll definitely Research this brand though.

Also, another reason why i'm going for those two lights - someone is selling them on craigslist for $35 and $40, claims they are "like new". (though the coralife does not have bulbs). Pictures were included, they look pretty good!

**kross** · 09-14-2012, 02:52 AM

It's cool if you can get a good deal on them. But a single T5HO on a 20" tall tank will only give low light. A "good" dual-T5HO fixture should give you medium-high light. That Finnex LED should give you medium light at the substrate.

Also, I'd stay away from any lighting with the word Coralife on it. They are very poor lights (speaking of T5, have no experience with their power compacts).

**Rinfishe** · 09-14-2012, 09:25 PM

hmm, sounds like it may not be worth it then.

Did a little bit more research, and heard some good things about this brand: http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/stor...oducts_id=1410

If I replaced the 24W with 39W bulbs would it give me decent light on the bottom of the tank?

A bulb such as this for instance http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/stor...oducts_id=1617

**kross** · 09-14-2012, 10:44 PM

Catalina is an excellent brand. Good choice.

You cannot replace the 24W bulbs with 39W bulbs. Those 39W bulbs you linked to are for a 36" fixture, so they won't fit. With fluorescent bulbs, the wattage is linked directly to the length of the bulb.

With that fixture, on a 20" tall tank, you should definitely be into the high end of medium lighting.

**homemadepopcorn** · 09-15-2012, 03:10 AM

~60 watts over your tank will be enough light for almost all plants. I think you'll have a hard time with things like glosso or HC (dwarf baby tears). If you really wanted to grow those out, you'd probably need CO2 and some good ferts.

LEDs are by far the better choice when it comes to lighting. They are much more efficient at converting electrical energy to light which means a smaller electricity bill and more PAR over your plants. If you have the cash for an LED fixture, go for it (depending on which one of course). You can also build your own if you have some technical know-how.

**Lady Hobbs** · 09-15-2012, 05:14 AM

The higher the light, the more you will need CO2. I never had problems using a compact light but after upgrading to my T5HO, I have problems with green spot algae all the time now. It's just too much light and that's only 108 watts over 55 gallons.

I now leave my lights on only 6 hours a day so the rest of the time, the tank is in the dark.