T5 Lighting For 5.5g Tank

[JimShorts]

I'm setting up a planted 5.5G/21L tank (16" long). Does anyone know if/where T5 lighting fixtures are available that will fit such a tank? I've seen 12" and 15" T5 bulbs for sale, but never any fixtures under 24".

I could also use a dual T8 if they make those, but I'd rather go with the T5.

I've already found single T8's at Dr. Foster & Smith. All my LFS carries is single 15w incandescent fixtures.

Thanks in advance!

 

[aaronnorth]

http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue/lighting.asp

they have a wide range.

 

[JimShorts]

Hmm, I didn't look at their whole selection yet, but I'm not finding what I was looking for I don't think. Maybe I just haven't gotten to the right product page yet though. Thanks for the link.

Also, it would help tremendously if a US website had them, because that would probably save me a bundle seeing how the UK is about half a world away from Seattle. But if a UK site has what I need, a UK site it is.

 

[aaronnorth]

are you wanting a luminaire or a ballast?

 

[JimShorts]

I'm looking for something along the lines of this, only in a 16" (40cm) version that will fit my 5.5G.

 

[aaronnorth]

oh right - a luminaire. Your best bet would to go with something like this: http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue...m-lamp-unit.asp

 

[JimShorts]

Thank for your help Aaron. I like that although the part about not being able to replace the bulb is a stumbling block.

But, the owner of my LFS said he can order me a pretty basic 16" single tube T5 unit, which would be good because they sell 12" T5 bulbs. Funny how they carry the bulbs but he has to order the fixture for me. I'd rather have a dual tube light, but if I can't find anything else I'll go with that.

I also found this on eBay, but 2 x 36w seem like too much for my needs. Any thoughts on this or power compact lighting in general?

 

[aaronnorth]

PC tubes are all double rather than single. It is why people use them for deep tanks.