Lighting: What would you do?

[bottom feeder]

I'm trying to decide how (and whether) to upgrade my lighting system. I'm leaning toward a T5 system (2 or 4 lights) to add to existing 24" CF (2x55w). My 40 gallon planted tank is 15" in height, pressurized CO2, and have option of placing 36" standard fluorescent fixture (3 x 20w) to CF fixture. But if I were to add a T5 instead, I'd like to know what the gurus out there have to say .. . . . .

I have a 40 gallon planted tank and just added pressurized CO2. The tank is 15 inches deep and lots of flora base, and other planting substrate. Now I need to upgrade my lighting system. I was previously using standard fluorescents (Perfecto 3 x 15-20w standard fluorescent plus a few additional standard fixtures placed wherever I could fit them on the top of the tank. I currently have a 24" compact fluorescent 110 watts (55w x 2) that I put out of commission because it created too much algae. Now that I have sufficient CO2 I've returned the CF and removed the standard fixtures, but I want more light.

1. I could add the 36" (3 x 20w) standard fluorescent to share the top with the 110w (2 x 55w) CF.

2. I could purchase a T5 High Output lamp (e.g. 2 x 39w) to go along with the CF.

3. Other options?

So far I've found a few options for T5 fixtures:

Catalina Aquarium 36" SOLAR T5 (2 X 39W) $150 w/ shipping
Catalina Aquarium

Nova Extreme T5HO 2 x 39w ($90 w/ shipping): Current USA Nova Extreme T5HO X2 Light Fixtures

36" Nova Extreme 4X39W T5 HO ($187 w/ shipping)
36" Nova Extreme 4X39W T5 HO Aquarium Light Brand New - eBay (item 110327092272 end time Jan-14-09 19:17:27 PST)

36” T5 Quad 156W Deluxe (4x 39W)
T5 High Output Fluorescent Lighting Fixture ($139 w/ shipping)
http://cgi.ebay.com/36-T5-HO-High-Output-Aquarium-Light-156W-Odyssea-New_W0QQitemZ300285350838QQcmdZViewItem

36" SOLAR T5 AQUARIUM LIGHT HOOD & FREE LEGS 4 x39W ($175 w/ shipping)
36" SOLAR T5 AQUARIUM LIGHT HOOD & FREE LEGS 4 x39W - eBay (item 230287115714 end time Jan-12-09 12:20:52 PST)

Satellite 36" 1 x 96w ($125 w/ shipping)
Current USA Satellite Light Fixtures

Satellite 36" 2 x 96w ($197 w/ shipping):
Current USA Satellite Dual Light Fixtures

Aqualite 36" 2 x 96w ($150 w/ shipping)
Coralife Aqualight Deluxe Single Linear Strip Light Fixtures

Any suggestions very much appreciated! (even if they differ than my suggestions above)

 

[Purrbox]

My personal preferance would be to switch over to a 4x39watt T-5 fixture. This would probably take up the least amount of space over your aquarium and give you lots of options as far as lighting levels. Make sure that you can run each light independantly for the best control over your lighting. Might be fun to run half the lights for most of the day and then run all the lights for 2-3 hours to similate a noon day burst.

 

[bottom feeder]

Would you suggest using the 2x55w Compact Fluorescent as well, if both fixtures could fit? I doubt I could fit both, but just wanted to clarify your advice. Also, if I went with the 4x39watt T5, do you suggest using all 6,500K bulbs, or mix and match with some 10,000, etc.? Seems a bit of a shame to not use the CF at all, but I want to get it right, and the CF is 24" and my tank is 36" in length.

Thanks for your reply!

 

[Purrbox]

I would use just the T5 fixture on the 40 gallon and use the CFL fixture on an aquarium that is 24" long instead.

 

[bottom feeder]

OK. I've decided to purchase a T5 HO fixture 4x39w. Here's my options so far:

1. Odessea $129 (including shipping) on ebay
2. Nova Extreme $187 including shipping
3. Fishneedit.com $108 including shipping

Anyone know if Fishneedit lights are quality? They are priced lower than the others. Not sure if I should take a chance, but sure would like to spend less $$.

 

[Purrbox]

Current brand fixtures are good quality. Odessea are hit and miss qualitywise. Haven't heard of the other one.

 

[brutus]

i have same as you CFL on the back of tank and t5 HO current fixture on front.i like the current fixture.But not sure if its just because i have the 10000k bulbs on that one and 6700k bulbs on the CFL.