Lighting in Planted Tank Questions

[Sandfall]

I've recently been looking into lighting, which is an aspect that I overlooked when setting up my 20 gallon partially planted tank. I currently have a mainly plastic hood with a 15 watt t5 light that is made to fit on it. It has a little glass space that the light sits on top of. Now that I've got some plants that need stronger light, cobombas and crinum calamistratum, I want to get a better light. The lights that I am considering are a T5HO light, two T5s or an 11 watt LED light. On a side note, I am not using CO2 fertilization, if that is any help. Which one of those lights would work better? And also, would I need a new hood or could I keep my old one? Would I need a cooling fan for any to them? I am aiming for a medium to high light intensity.

 

[Barliman]

I'm a convert to LEDs and am very happy with them. My plants get great like from my Finnex Planted+.

Is this a 20-long or 20-regular tank? The distance from the light to the top of the substrate can make a big difference in how much usable light reaches your plants.

 

[Sandfall]

It's a 20 high. Does anyone know how bright the LED would need to be? I can't see the par, but in lumens, color brightness (k), watts, or number of LEDs? I can't seem to find anything that tells how to figure that out.
The Finnex Planted+ is a bit out of my price range.

 

[Fresh2o]

Check out Beamswork fixtures on Amazon. I only run Finnex fixtures but heard good things about the Beamswork fixtures. The 24" DA FSPEC model runs for about $45. PAR data here. This would probably put you at low medium lighting.

 

[Sandfall]

Okay, I'm looking into it and might use it if I end up using LEDs. Still not sure whether I should use it, T5s, or a T5HO. Does anyone know what works best for plants?

 

[Fresh2o]

Okay, I'm looking into it and might use it if I end up using LEDs. Still not sure whether I should use it, T5s, or a T5HO. Does anyone know what works best for plants?

Best can be a subjective term. It really depends on the plants you wish to grow. In your particular setup, I would go with LEDs. Some advantages are that you never have to change the bulbs (with fluorescent bulbs you should change them every ~9-12 months), low heat output, low energy usage, compact design, and dimmable in some cases.
In 2013 I started off with a dual T5 NO (normal output) on a rather shallow tank (20g long / 12" deep). Plant growth was nearly non-existent. Various stems and sword plants. Switched to a Finnex FugeRay and growth improved. A few months later added DIY CO2 and some plants grew too fast. Progressed to higher lighting since then.
Interestingly, I moved the original dual T5 to my shrimp tank (also a 20g long) and the crypts grew beautifully.
I have also used 23w twisted compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) housed in inexpensive dome lights to provide supplemental lighting. Aesthetically not the best but effective for plant growth.

 

[Sandfall]

The plants I am growing are java ferns, cabomba, jungle vals (soon), crinum calamistratum, a banana plant, bolbitis (soon), an anubias, and moneywart.

If I use LEDs (and I probably will), do I need a cooling fan?

 

[Sandfall]

For a cooling fan, can I just use a little fan from Home Depot, or does it have to be made for aquariums? Would this work? O2Cool 5 in. Battery Operated Portable Fan-FD05004 - The Home Depot

 

[Fresh2o]

What temp is your tank? A cooling fan might not be necessary.

 

[Sandfall]

About 77 degrees Fahrenheit

 

[Fresh2o]

About 77 degrees Fahrenheit

In that case a cooling fan is not needed.