Upgrading lights

[Limming]

My current light set up is a single 15 watt T-8 bulb standard for a Aqueon Deluxe Full Hood and I want to upgrade just not sure what I want. Right now I have anubius and java fern but I'm looking at adding some plants with higher light requirements like pygmy chain swords. The tank is a 20 gallon tall with 12 blood fins and I dose 10 mL of Tetra FloraPride weekly after the water change. What bulbs should I look for and is there any other suggestions as far as lighting goes?

[KevinVA]

You could do a dual T5HO 18w bulb fixture (36w total) and get some good growth going on in there. I have the same lighting in my 10gal and it seems like a bit much, so it might be perfect for a 20gal tall. It'll give you 1.8w/g which isn't high light, but it's well above low and hitting medium lighting. It would be perfectly fine for your needs.

Just make sure you're dosing adequate CO2 and ferts to offset algae growth (unlike what I did). =X

[Limming]

I want to stay with the same hood to save money would a single 30 or 40 watt T 8 bulb have the same effect? I'm new to lighting and can't seem to find any good info on lighting.

[KevinVA]

You'll have to stick within the range that you're allotted with that hood. I'm not sure of its' capabilities. Check the fixture or the box it came in. It should be able to tell you its' limitations. I can tell you, however, that since it's a non-HO T8, you'll be restricted to regular T8 bulbs. That's not exactly horrible, because you'll be able to grow plants, but nothing high-demanding. Check your wattage limitations.

[genocidex]

theres no such thing as the t8 40w for the same length. the size of bulbs denotes the strength of the bulb. if you wana stay with the same hood you are stuck with the same bulbs too. unless you are willing to try diy solutions like LED. but a small t5ho hood and class top might cost like 60$ give or take...

http://www.petmountain.com/product/a...ter-light.html

just over 62$ brand new for that and a hood might cost at most 15$ for a glass one. or just go hoodless like some members like..

[mizzoutank]

good information on lighting:

http://www.americanaquariumproducts...._Lighting.html

[Limming]

Right now I'm looking at upgrading to a Coral Life fixture (don't remember which one the LFS had) that's a duel T5 with 30 watts. Just not sure if thats to much light for the java fern and anubius.

[genocidex]

tbh as LH had experience (i think it was her) those 2 plants do bad in high light that t5hos would put out. ill post a decent idea about the lighting you would get in a moment i cant find my link lol

according to this chart, a dual t5no would give you a solid medium light, which is decent lighting for low tech, no CO2 or ferts. if you get a good price on it then go for it. also dont get bugged into the 10000k and 650nm (i think that it... redish pink "growth" bulb) that combo is ment to give a higher PAR but tbh it would cause algae. get dual 6500k bulbs if possible.

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...9&d=1347074613

[KevinVA]

Look here for fixtures (and bulbs, when needed): http://www.ebay.com/sch/topdogseller...&_trksid=p3686

These guys have the best prices on light fixtures. I have 3 Odyssea HO fixtures (purchased from them). They all came quickly, look sleek and work flawlessly. You can buy a glass top for $20-25 at Petsmart.

This would be perfect for your tank: http://www.ebay.com/itm/T5-Dual-24-6...item460a5b3c2d

Or if you wanted to go LED: http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-24-400-A...item19d3080f6d

That is, assuming you're still interested in higher light requirements... you can grow those other two plants in low lighting, as suggested.

[genocidex]

i would advise AGAINST that LED fixture, its running antic and 10000K spectrum lights. that will cause green water in no time. also i dislike Odyssea fixtures, they have QC issues and their MH lights have been known to catch fire. TBH i havent heard of any of their T5HO fixtures catching a flame... but i dont wana be the first lol