What Light Fixture?

[RyanV]

I just got a 20 gallon high tank (24x16x12). It is going to be a planted tank with dirt substrate and sand on top. I am really looking for some help with dual T5 HO florescent light fixtures. It will be my first time purchasing one wondering if one is better than the other? Even if you could help me rule a couple out would be great

1. Aqualife 2x24W $105- http/www.marinedepot.com/AquaticLife_T5_HO_Light_Link_Fixture_Marine_24_Inch_T5_Fluorescent_Light_Fixtures-AquaticLife-AK01138-FILTFIT54U-vi.html

2. Coralife 2x24W(I think) $120- http/www.marinedepot.com/Coralife_Aqualight_Dual_T5_Lamp_High_Output_Fixture_24_Inch_T5_Fluorescent_Light_Fixtures-Coralife-ES08600-FILTFIT54U-vi.html

3. Current USA Nova Extreme 2x24W $80- http/www.marinedepot.com/Current_USA_Nova_Extreme_2_Bulb_T5_HO_10K_460nm_Marine_20_Inch_T5_Fluorescent_Light_Fixtures-Current_USA-CU01136-FILTFIT5T5-vi.html

4. Zoo Med AquaSun(No bulbs included) $60- http/www.petco.com/product/111939/Zoo-Med-AquaSun-T-5-HO-Double-Light-Linear-Fluorescent-Hood.aspx?cm_mmc=bazaarvoiceRLP111939description_link

I more thing, should I have a glass top with these or does it not matter?

 

[RyanV]

Hoping to get lights today, anyone recommend anything?

 

[Philcav7]

I've been looking at the nova extreme due to it's pricepoint. Haven't seen anything bad about it as far as failing or overheating.

I can't see that there's too much difference between fixtures, unless one had a built in timer or lunar LEDs.

 

[RyanV]

Thanks, I think I will be ruling coralife's out after seeing a lot of problems they can have and I would also need different bulbs for it. I am between the Current Nova or Aqualife's.

 

[Philcav7]

After looking at the aquasun, I like the fact that each bulb has it's own switch and can be turned on/off independently.

I planned to try running with a single bulb anyways as I am using low light plants (anubias, java fern) and will only add the second if needed. This will also keep energy cost down.

As I do more research, I keep reading more often that the 2 WPG rule is an outdated theory and is largely based off of standard T8 lamps, which have far less output per watt than T5HO. Plus, i dont want to be bothered with co2, ferts, and all the extra care plants need. Im trying to keep it simple and easy. Some get along just fine using 1wpg of T8 with their java and anubias, it just seems that placement must be directly under the lamp.


I know little about the subject, imagine either would be a good choice.

 

[RyanV]

Yeah just not sure on the quality of the aquasun. It doesn't come with bulbs either and those are like $15 a piece.

I already have two low-light 55 gallon tanks so I wanted to try something different with my 20 gallon

 

[Philcav7]

The aquasun is hideous. I just looked at it in petco. Very big and chunky. It's the size of some 4 bulb systems.

I picked up a aqueon t5NO fixture tonight to try out. I have 60 days to return it if I don't like it. It's super sleek and my wife liked it.

 

[RyanV]

I just bought the aqualife one! Should be here around Wednesday.