Lighting Strip and Hood Compatibility Ques.

[icecubez189]

Im thinking about upgrading my current 15w light strip on my AGA 20G tank. my plants look pretty healthy thanks to the liquid ferts and good care but would like them to flourish with better lighting. tank length is 24inch so my strip light is also 24inch in length.

my first option was to purchase the twin-tube version of my current strip light for a total of 30watts which is an OK improvement: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13612&N=2004+113349

then i found these power compacts:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=11418&N=2004+113345

so for about $20 extra, i can more than double my wattage. 2 things are in question though. the first on is the measurement of the power compatcs, which is 24" long x 5" wide x 2.5" high. my strip light is 24 inch long and 4.5 inch wide. will it fit on my AGA hood? also, 65 watts is pretty bright. i think one reason why my BF tetras don't shoal or school in my tank is because of the relatively bright lighting, because they come out from hiding after i turn the lights out.

thanks, any other options or suggestions are appreciated. im not looking to spend so much on lighting, i just need to at least get close to 2WPG, which is fine for me and the plants.

 

[Captain Hook]

That PC fixture looks like a nice one. I don't know if it will fit in your hood or not. Like you said, it's a lot of light. Personally, if I were you I'd go with the double fluorescent bulb fixture. 30 watts of T8 fluorescents is a decent amount of light. You probably won't be able to grow high light plants but many options will be available at this level of light.

I started with 40 watts of T12 (not as bright as T8s) on my 20 when I got into plants. Found that's it a good level to start with and get the hang of growing plants well without CO2, much dosing of ferts, battling algae, etc.

If you're ready to add N-P-K fertilizer regularly, keep on top of weekly or biweekly water changes with steady levels of CO2, then I'd say go for the PC light. If not, stick with the T8 fixture.

 

[icecubez189]

im not sure what plant species i have since they were from the "any plant, 2.99" tank so i just picked the healthiest looking ones. posted pictures of them and some thought they were anubias and a mix of others. w/e it is, they are probably low light plants since they are doing quite well with regular pruning, liquid ferts and 15watts lighting. im sure 30watts would be enough, but i don't want it to be too brigh for my fish either.