Budget lighting for BTA only 20L?

[Mitch529]

I have an old 20L lying around that I was thinking about building a stand with another 20L for a sump. It would be a budget setup, nothing special just stuff I have laying around. Want to put it in our bedroom with a nice pair or clowns.

What kind of lighting would be best for this, as energy efficient and cheap as possible? (VHO, PC?) As long as the BTA's can thrive but I want to try and avoid MH.

TIA for any input.
Mitch

 

[GSMguy]

2x 24 w t5s with SLR individual reflectors

 

[Mitch529]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12177601#post12177601 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
2x 24 w t5s with SLR individual reflectors

Something like this? What kind of bulbs would be the best combination? This will be enough light for BTAs to thrive, not have to reach out for light? Sorry for the onslaught of questions never really used any other lighting besides MH.

 

[gberry]

I'd think you'd be ok with just PC lighting in a 20L tank. The BTA will likely settle on rock in the tank, putting it pretty high up to begin with.

 

[dalilgriffith]

a 20L requires a 30inch light. I would suggest a t5 with the most watts avaible. Most outfits do not make a 30 inch light though, search ebay.

 

[AquaReeferMan]

A 30" Sundial T5 fixture would work nicely. That would give you 4x24w with individually contoured reflectors.

http://current-usa.com/sundial_t5ho

 

[Mitch529]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12178800#post12178800 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AquaReeferMan
A 30" Sundial T5 fixture would work nicely. That would give you 4x24w with individually contoured reflectors.

http://current-usa.com/sundial_t5ho

Thats pretty cool, is it as effective as a retro kit with individual reflectors? Going to try and find some reviews on it.

 

[dalilgriffith]

Yes this fixture has >4 watts per gallon with t5. It also has individual reflectors.

However, T5 is generally measured in lumens rather that watts per gallon. With a t5 fixture you can calculate a 30% increase in power.

Lets do some math!

4x24= 96
96*0.30= 28.8
96+28.8 = 124.8

This is very rough estimate

This is just my experience with T5 lighting...

This is why you can have a LTA and BTA under T5 in really low rated wattage. The LFS says "Oh no, thats not right!" but I have had my BTA thriving for the life of my tank. Its fine. You will be fine.

 

[GSMguy]

you could put a BTA under a single 24w t5 daylight bulb and it would be fine

that 2 bulb retrofit would be perfect

try one Blue+ and one 10k or 6500k

i think 4 t5s will be sooooo bright that the BTA will not be happy.