A little lighting advice...

sapphiresea

AC Members
Aug 11, 2009
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I've been wanting to upgrade the lighting in my 29 gallon tank and I desperately need advice! I've become overwhelmed with choices. While I have kept fish for many years, I don't know very much about aquarium lighting. Any advice would be appreciated!

Here are two lights I think I have it narrowed down to...

The first is a 30 inch, 55 watt compact fluorescent strip light:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754542

The second is a 30 inch, 65 watt compact fluorescent light:
http://www.aquariumguys.com/aqualight5.html

I'm really leaning towards the second one, because it has a higher wattage and it's cheaper. Am I overlooking anything? Is there anything I should be aware of, such as heat output? I don't have a canopy, so I don't think I have too much to be concerned about as far as heat. Has anyone had any experience with either of these lights? Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
 
If your going to pay that much definitely go for the Oceanic strip. The difference in Wattage is because the Oceanic has larger T5 bulbs in it.

The Petsmart one has 24" bulbs in it while the Oceanic has 30" bulbs. Not a question the Oceanic is a better deal.
 
ive never used either of these lights myself but after taking a look at both the second definitely appears to be a better choice. overall it appears to be a more well built light and the additional wattage is a big plus. i cant see there being any concerns to this upgrade.
 
Current USA T5HO system! got mine for around $50 on drs foster and smith
 
I've been wanting to upgrade the lighting in my 29 gallon tank and I desperately need advice! I've become overwhelmed with choices. While I have kept fish for many years, I don't know very much about aquarium lighting. Any advice would be appreciated!

Here are two lights I think I have it narrowed down to...

The first is a 30 inch, 55 watt compact fluorescent strip light:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754542

The second is a 30 inch, 65 watt compact fluorescent light:
http://www.aquariumguys.com/aqualight5.html

I'm really leaning towards the second one, because it has a higher wattage and it's cheaper. Am I overlooking anything? Is there anything I should be aware of, such as heat output? I don't have a canopy, so I don't think I have too much to be concerned about as far as heat. Has anyone had any experience with either of these lights? Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
sa:

The aqualight.

TR
 
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