Lighting for a 20 Gallon?

[Kets]

What would be the least-expensive way to light a 20 gallon tank?

[krisw]

It depends. Are you looking for high light, or just medium or low light? Will the tank use CO2 and fertilizers? Also, is it a 20 high, or a 20 long?

[jcali10]

Yeah, what Kris said. Also, you mentioned "least expensive," and a low light set up definitely falls into that category, so the bullet proof tank link may be of interest to you.
http://www.gwapa.org/documents/The_Bull ... uarium.pdf

[Kets]

A 20 High.

I want it to have high light.

[jcali10]

I usually shop online retailers for equipment as they seem to have the best prices. A Current Nova Extreme freshwater fixture runs around $55 plus shipping, it's an economical T5 High Output unit, with 2 (24W) lights. You may also find higher wattage in compact fluorescent fixtures. Sometimes you can get free shipping if you consolidate you purchases or if the seller runs a special as Big Al's did recently.

You can also check Ebay, might find a good deal there too.

[Aaron]

If you want it to have high light you'll also need CO2, at least Seachem Excel or DIY CO2.

If you are handy with tools you can make a hood with lights in it using an AH supply 2 x 55 watt kit. www.ahsupply.com

Or two Coralife Freshwater T5 28 watt lights would work too.

[ingg]

I would do the double aqualights, or the ahsupply if you have or can make a housing, before the nova extremes. I have the novas, and while not horrid, they are not indicative of what T5HO is capable of. Flat reflector, bulbs way too close together, and I have read at least one account of them not pushing the bulbs to full wattage output - which I tend to believe after seeing what better T5HO fixtures output, and growth under them, looks like.

[mhossom]

I have an AH supply 2 x 55 watt kit.in a DIY fixture that I would be willing to sell. It needs new bulbs. But woks just fine. AH supply is selling them for apx $100 total. How does $55 sound?

[Aaron]

I have an AH supply 2 x 55 watt kit.in a DIY fixture that I would be willing to sell. It needs new bulbs. But woks just fine. AH supply is selling them for apx $100 total. How does $55 sound?

^ That's a good deal. I would take him up on that.

[Ltrepeter2000]

and I should have the bulbs you would need for the fixture. Have to finish having people pick up before I am sure.