View Full Version : Lighting options for low tech 20 gallon?
bfloyd
02-23-2009, 3:50 PM
Currently, I have the stock 15 watt hood that came as part of a starter kit on my 20 gallon tank. I am looking for the best and cheapest way to increase my lighting to be able to grow and maintain low light plants. I am not looking at using Co2, but would be willing to use liquid fert if needed. Thinking about planting anubias and mosses. Would also like dwarf sag, but I know if it will do okay in low light.
Options I am looking into:
Coralife F/W T-5 Aqualight Double Strip Light -28w.http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18360/si1379084/cl0/coralifefwt5aqualightdoublestriplight24 $34.99 1.4WPG
All-Glass Fluorescent Twin Tube Strip Light- 24" http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18360/si1378933/cl0/allglassfluorescenttwintubestriplight24black $44.99 2 WPG
Nova Extreme HO Light Fixture - 2 x 24W - T5 - 10,000K - 24 in. http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/236414/i/7/product.web $68.99 2.4 WPG
Last opintion would be to retro fit my current hood with ahsupply kit, but I don't know what I need and how difficult it would be???
Let me know what you all think.
phanmc
02-23-2009, 4:36 PM
The first two options would be fine for your needs but the Nova Extreme would be too much lighting to go without CO2.
jpappy789
02-23-2009, 4:50 PM
:iagree:
bfloyd
02-23-2009, 5:15 PM
Okay, so i should stay below 2 wpg if I don't want to use Co2 correct? And would it be possible to grow dwarf sag with 1.4 wpg?
Thanks for the replies.
jpappy789
02-23-2009, 5:31 PM
Not sure, I have mine growing very slowly in 2wpg with Co2 and ferts. I have no idea why it's the only plant of mine that's not responding well. The anubias grows quicker...
So I can't really say for sure that it won't work.
bfloyd
02-24-2009, 3:33 PM
Thanks for the help everyone. I went ahead and ordered the Coralife F/W T-5 Aqualight Double Strip Light from Big Al's online. I should have it by the end of the week. Should I use Seachem excel with 1.4 wpg and anubias?
Anubias and moss should do OK without adding ferts but Excell may help their growth a bit. I would be more inclined to add add a liquid fert like Flourish or Kent freshwater first.
Fordtrannyman
02-24-2009, 5:36 PM
Thanks for the help everyone. I went ahead and ordered the Coralife F/W T-5 Aqualight Double Strip Light from Big Al's online. I should have it by the end of the week. Should I use Seachem excel with 1.4 wpg and anubias?
That's good choice for low maintenance tank. Dwarf Sag will do ok in that lighting. I have it in an all natural shrimp tank with 28 watt spiral cf's.
I have to trim in and redirect the runners every couple months.
jpappy789
02-24-2009, 5:37 PM
Excel will be a nice carbon supplement. Occasional flourish dosing may help also.
bfloyd
02-24-2009, 8:40 PM
That's good choice for low maintenance tank. Dwarf Sag will do ok in that lighting. I have it in an all natural shrimp tank with 28 watt spiral cf's.
I have to trim in and redirect the runners every couple months.
That's good to hear. I will probably go with a couple different varieties of anubias and dwarf sag when I get my light. Also will probably start out dosing with excel and flourish once a week with weekly water change and see what happens. Thanks for all the replies.
camber1981
02-24-2009, 8:54 PM
That's good choice for low maintenance tank. Dwarf Sag will do ok in that lighting. I have it in an all natural shrimp tank with 28 watt spiral cf's.
I have to trim in and redirect the runners every couple months.
:werd: I totally love the cfl factor. That's the lighting I use for my 10 gal plant-growing tank, works GREAT! I keep a bunch of elodea and a few other fast growing native plants to keep my Nicaraguense fed(he LOVES the elodea, YUM YUM!!!!!:drool:)