65 gallon light question

[absolute]

Currently i have a 65 gallon tall tank with a ton of plants. Currently I am using a Dual ballast fluorescent strip light with a 30 watt life glo and a 30watt power glow.

my question is what would be my best upgrade for a reasonable price. I am wondering if a 36" 2x54watt T-5 ballast would be good enough or is it a waste of money???

thanks in advance for any advise or suggestions

[OldMan1947]

A 2 x 54 should give you plenty of light for medium or low light plants. Your current 60W should be doing fine for things like java fern and other low lights. You don't say where you are trying to go. If you have some plants in mind, look up their light needs and if they are not recommended for medium light you will probably be disappointed with the T-5s. If they say medium low or medium, the T-5 fixture might be enough. It will get expensive if you change your mind a lot about what you want to grow or if you gradually upgrade the lighting over time. Its like buying a 10 gallon, then a 20 and then a 37 and then a 55 and finally a 65. You would be too broke to buy fish.