15 gallon aquarium lighting

[Loddy Dod]

Hi all

I am not that knowledgeable when it comes to aquarium lighting. Do you think these lights would be sufficient to grow Christmas moss and a nice carpet of some plant?
If not can you suggest me some lights that arent over 50 bucks?
Amazon.com: Coralife 58120 Aqualight T5 Freshwater Dual Lamp Fixture, 24-Inch: Pet Supplies

thanks

 

[Fresh2o]

I purchased the same light (however it is the 30" model for a 20G long) about 2 weeks ago and two types of moss (one appears to be flame, not sure on the other) are doing fine. Not pearling but growing.

About carpet plants, it should be okay for the low light types. I am getting a shipment tomorrow that includes four leaf clover, crypto parva, dwarf Sagitteria, and red and green crypto wendtii. Not sure which plant will flourish so I bought several different types.

 

[CorallineAlgae]

You can look at the Aquatraders web site for an Odyssea T5 lights if you want a cheap fixture. Just know that most planted tanks with T5 lighting will require co2 to keep algae from becoming a problem unless it's a tall tank with lots of plants and liquid carbon is used (like Excell). Strong lighting can take special cate to manage.

 

[oyf709]

I have this fixture that you might be interested to try for $35
It can extended to 24" with its stand

14" 12.96W 54x0.24w 970LM

The one on the right is 20" long with the fixture with stand it would be longer than the 24" and can max at about 30" and is $50

This is the fixture with the stand

Cheers

 

[CorallineAlgae]

^That light looks to blue for most freshwater tanks. Is it a saltwater light?

 

[Loddy Dod]

Thats what I was thinking coraline. Your suggestion of the Odyssea looks like what I might be getting.

I also might look into just getting some very high watt 6500k CFLs and put them into a hood. What do you guys think about that?

 

[oyf709]

^That light looks to blue for most freshwater tanks. Is it a saltwater light?

6500k is too blue? Oh guess I am wrong then

 

[CorallineAlgae]

Thats what I was thinking coraline. Your suggestion of the Odyssea looks like what I might be getting.

I also might look into just getting some very high watt 6500k CFLs and put them into a hood. What do you guys think about that?

Those work very well. I used two 23 watt CFLs over my 20H (with co2) for years and grew masses of plants. They really work well. The best part is you can easily adjust the light level by using different watt bulbs. It's so versatile.