Newbie here, Planted tank and lighting question...

[romaric]

Hi all...quick question.

Is there any benefit to having a 20 gallon long vs. a 20 gallon high.
Is long better, cause the light is closer to the soil/plants?

I like the landscape view of the 20 long.

I'm def. going for a planted tank and want to get the best size suited.
Does it make a difference?

ALSO, I need help on lighting set-ups.
Is this something that would work for me?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

If not, can anyone point me in a direction as far as brands, maybe even links to planted lighting set ups?

I have everything else for a planted tank ready to go, just need the light set up and tank!

THANKS!!

 

[fgump]

Unless I was getting a tank for a fish that needed vertical swimming room, I'd get a 20 long.

The 20 long will have more floor space - will give more room for plants and more fish than a 20 high. The only benefit for plants of a 20 high would be if you're going to be planting some really tall species.

That light would work. It'll give you 6.5 watts per gallon. You'll definitely need CO2 and ferts with that much light. I personally would go with something with a little less wattage, like this one. That'll give you 3.25 watts per gallon (and it's cheaper). But that's your own personal choice.

I think you can get that brand for a little cheaper at Big Al's though.

edit: yeah, it's cheaper at Big Al's: link

 

[romaric]

Thanks fgump, that helps!

A 20 long it is! Cool!

One question on the lighting...The 20 long tank I found is 30 inches long....and the lighting set up you supplied is 48 inches long for the 130 watt.

Come to think of it, even my original lighting set up...the 130 watt is 24 inches long.

weird. How do I get a set up to fit a 30 inch long tank??

thanks for the help!

 

[Mgamer20o0]

yea i wouldnt go with anything above 65w.... thats just asking for trouble.....

another cheaper option would be power compact screw in bulbs like you can get at walmart.

 

[fgump]

Ah, sorry. For some reason I thought the 20 longs were 24". Guess I was getting it mixed up with the 20 high.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...oralifefreshwateraqualightdeluxesingle30strip
thats 30 inch 65w strip light.... but i would go with ahsupply.com

 

[romaric]

that's ok, no problem...

I assume SOMEONE makes 30" long light set ups, though, right?

Anyone use a 30" long here?

 

[fgump]

I'd post a link for you. But Mg beat me to it wned:

 

[livingword26]

These are what I use on my 36 gallon tank. If you used 2 of them you would have 72 watts. Or you could use a double and a single for 54 watts.

https://www82.safesecureweb.com/web...=PROD&Product_Code=CL58121&Category_Code=CLT5
https://www82.safesecureweb.com/web...=PROD&Product_Code=CL58103&Category_Code=CLT5

 

[romaric]

Great everyone, this answers my question! So excited, thanks so much.
I'll be posting progress as things get underway. And, obviously, more questions, too

cheers.