i have a bow front 16 gal tank that has become a planted tank but the light fixture that came with the tank just wont cut it. i have been searching for a better light but i am having a hard time finding a 20 inch light around 40 watts. can anyone point me in the right direction
20in light fixture
- Thread starter blowinsmoke
- Start date
I have one for sale on ebay. Only 3 weeks of use. Free mounting legs too so it doesn't heat up the water and spreads better. For my 37 column aquarium it dint cut it but for your tank it should be perffect. Co2 is needed thought at this wattage for your tank. You can use neutral density filters on the glass canopy to reduce light as I do and it works great.
http://cgi.ebay.com/20-Coralife-Aqu...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item27af9ed951
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They also made a 28W version of this light which is harder to find or discontinued.
Or if you want better options you can always use a 24'' light fixture. Most accommodate to fit smaller tanks like our 20''. I am doing this and the 2 extra inches over the sides does not look bad. If anything it provides light to the sides where PC strips normally are dark due to the bulb length and/or bulb base/connector. A single 24'' 24W T5 HO would work nicely for you but may require Co2. T5 HO's cant be compared to PC's. they are much more intense. Power compacts suffer from restrike due to the tubes being so close together under one reflector. This means the light bounces of the closely spaced tubes but does not actually go DOWN to the tank where you want it making the bulb less efficient.
Anyways research first because you have to get it right from the start with plants or else you get your very own private algae farm.
good luck!
J.A
http://cgi.ebay.com/20-Coralife-Aqu...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item27af9ed951
-----------------------------------------------
They also made a 28W version of this light which is harder to find or discontinued.
Or if you want better options you can always use a 24'' light fixture. Most accommodate to fit smaller tanks like our 20''. I am doing this and the 2 extra inches over the sides does not look bad. If anything it provides light to the sides where PC strips normally are dark due to the bulb length and/or bulb base/connector. A single 24'' 24W T5 HO would work nicely for you but may require Co2. T5 HO's cant be compared to PC's. they are much more intense. Power compacts suffer from restrike due to the tubes being so close together under one reflector. This means the light bounces of the closely spaced tubes but does not actually go DOWN to the tank where you want it making the bulb less efficient.
Anyways research first because you have to get it right from the start with plants or else you get your very own private algae farm.
good luck!
J.A
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