Changing Lights

[riverman444]

Well, I've decided now that my 20 gallon is getting more dense, it's time to upgrade the lights.

I currently have a 15 watt strip light and an old strip light from a LFS that I picked up for $10. Total WPG is 43, which is becoming insufficient.

I really like the looks of Jims setup where he hanged the light above the tank with what I imagine was wire or whatnot. This is what I"m going for. I need a compact setup that will hold at least 60 watts, hopefully more. I've seen quite a few that would work, but need some input from some more seasoned vets.

http/www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/produc...id1=1843;pcid2=
One idea

http/www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/produc...id1=1843;pcid2=
Overkill?

Thanks guys

 

[nicklfire]

Well, I've decided now that my 20 gallon is getting more dense, it's time to upgrade the lights.

I currently have a 15 watt strip light and an old strip light from a LFS that I picked up for $10. Total WPG is 43, which is becoming insufficient.

I really like the looks of Jims setup where he hanged the light above the tank with what I imagine was wire or whatnot. This is what I"m going for. I need a compact setup that will hold at least 60 watts, hopefully more. I've seen quite a few that would work, but need some input from some more seasoned vets.

http/www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/produc...id1=1843;pcid2=
One idea

http/www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/produc...id1=1843;pcid2=
Overkill?

Thanks guys

Sorry i might have mis read this.... or misunderstood but your running a 20 gallon?? but lighting in a 20 gallon would be a waste of money in my experiences. Anything 20 and under u really shouldnt be focusing on lighting. i would use that money and upgrade the tank because probably if your thinking about lighting your due for a upgrade... or you will be doing it in the next couple of months because of the fact your going to outgrow this tank. Your probably going to even outgrow your next tank haha. It's how i have been aswell.

The second link you have there is a lighting fixture running 120+ watts of lighting that's about 6x your tank lol you only need 2x over 20 gallons. I would take that 130 bucks and focus it on other needs. Unless you think it just looks cool then sure go for it i suppose.

I just dont understand why you need 60 watts for a 20 gallon tank, maybe you can clarify this for me. What kind of tank do you have what kind of plants... are they low light or high light plants. Because your going overkill by far running some of those lighting fixtures. The bigger the thank you get the more you want to focus on lighting but your running a 20 where there is no need to worry about lighting. My advice would to be skip lighting all together, but then again i really dont know why you need it or what your doing with it. Maybe it's just for looks?

Depends what kind of plants you have aswell right!

maybe get back to me on this and i'll try and help ya out more

 

[riverman444]

Well, I've decided now that my 20 gallon is getting more dense, it's time to upgrade the lights.

I currently have a 15 watt strip light and an old strip light from a LFS that I picked up for $10. Total WPG is 43, which is becoming insufficient.

I really like the looks of Jims setup where he hanged the light above the tank with what I imagine was wire or whatnot. This is what I"m going for. I need a compact setup that will hold at least 60 watts, hopefully more. I've seen quite a few that would work, but need some input from some more seasoned vets.

http/www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/produc...id1=1843;pcid2=
One idea

http/www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/produc...id1=1843;pcid2=
Overkill?

Thanks guys

Sorry i might have mis read this.... or misunderstood but your running a 20 gallon?? but lighting in a 20 gallon would be a waste of money in my experiences. Anything 20 and under u really shouldnt be focusing on lighting. i would use that money and upgrade the tank because probably if your thinking about lighting your due for a upgrade... or you will be doing it in the next couple of months because of the fact your going to outgrow this tank. Your probably going to even outgrow your next tank haha. It's how i have been aswell.

The second link you have there is a lighting fixture running 120+ watts of lighting that's about 6x your tank lol you only need 2x over 20 gallons. I would take that 130 bucks and focus it on other needs. Unless you think it just looks cool then sure go for it i suppose.

I just dont understand why you need 60 watts for a 20 gallon tank, maybe you can clarify this for me. What kind of tank do you have what kind of plants... are they low light or high light plants. Because your going overkill by far running some of those lighting fixtures. The bigger the thank you get the more you want to focus on lighting but your running a 20 where there is no need to worry about lighting. My advice would to be skip lighting all together, but then again i really dont know why you need it or what your doing with it. Maybe it's just for looks?

Depends what kind of plants you have aswell right!

maybe get back to me on this and i'll try and help ya out more

I have ALOT of plants in this 20 gallon. Lately, I've noticed a slight decline in overall plant health and I believe that it is due to lighting. I just need a slight upgrade.

I have a total of 4 tanks, this one being in the middle size-wise. I have it carpeted with micro sword, with patches of dwarf hair @ driftwood. In the back I have 3 swords. I also have a chunk of corkwood with java moss floating around and also java moss on the driftwood. Needless to say, the tank has done well, but needs more light. I'm trying to get the micro sword to a more healthier state.

I inject CO2 (DIY style) and have noticed that its effectiveness has dwindled. I use eco complete for substrate with fine gravel over the top. I use Seachem ferts and root spikes, dosed on a regime.

I just believe that my tank needs a bit more light to catch up now that plants have TAKEN off.

 

[nicklfire]

make sure your running at 30ppm for the co2, if not that could be a problem. Also are you getting enough macro and micro nutriets, do some testings. Read the pinned topic on nutrients (estimative list ) i believe it is

If you wanna spend the money on the light, go down to your lfs and ask to get a custom one build, that's what i did. the plants you listed sound alot like low levels plants so i dont see why it would be a issue for lighting tho