Lighting for 20gal long

Hi everyone,
I would really like to use T5 lighting over a 20gal
long tank.My problem is the tank being 30" long.
The only bulbs I'm aware of are either 24" or 36".
Also if I go with hanging fixture which length.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

You could just get the 24" unit. Hang it and it will light the full 30"

What unit were you thinking of?

J

 

Sunlight Tek 4 x 24" or 4 x 36".

Thanks

 

Is that the one with leds instead of actinics?

I have a 20 long and I am currently pretty happy with my latest fixture - a 30" with 2 T5 actinics and 1 70 watt hqi halide bulb. My corals are happy with it about 2 " from the water (70 doesn't put out that much heat).

I got it from catalinaaquarium.com. Pretty good price, just have to be specific and where you want the wires (how many too) and switches.

If you have a lot of corals, you could do (2) 70 watt bulbs to be even, or 1 150 watt. I had a 150w pendant on mine before, but found it to be a little intense to the eye.

 

Matt, do you have any pics of the tank w/ the new light? I am thinking of either doing 4x24 T5-HO or your setup (also for a 20L). How are your Acro. doing under those light?

Thanks!
GKW

 

No pics, but I can probably take some tonight.

I have arcos near the top and they are all growing. The growth is not rocketing, but noticable. Color is great.

I really like the 70w HQI.

 

Thank for the reply Matt!

How about the 150w HQI? Does it have a better impact on the arcos's growth?

Thanks!

 

Yeah it would.

 

Matt,
I'm not sure what you mean by LED's.
The Sunlight tech uses the D&D Giesemann German bulbs with
two triad ballasts (can upgrade to icecap retro)
I'm thinking of the following setup

One each GE 6500K
One each Aquablue 11,000K
Two each Blue +/Actinic peaks at 450nm
(Supposed to give 12-14,000K appearance)
There's only about $10.00 difference between the 24" retro(24w)
and the 36" retro(39w)
Almost worth switching to a 30gal breeder.
I will consider the 70MH though.

 

MATT DO YOU HAVE A CHILLER ON YOUR TANK?? everybody told me NO WAY!!! on my 20 long when i wanted MH. without a chiller anyway.