new 20g tall

[TheFishBoss97]

^+1

actually, either way it will be algae city, that much lighting would put youi in the high range if total 48W with reflectors, I'd just run 1 bulb.....unless you do DIY co2, or you have A LOT of surface agitaiton to get a bit more Co2 into the tank

 

[tiger terror]

Using a marineland powerhead for extra surface agitation&also upon recieving the new fixture will using a nutrafin co2 setup rated for a 20g tank..I will be doing an open top aquarium also,the future should sit about 5 1/2 in above the rim...

 

[adadkins1]

^+1

actually, either way it will be algae city, that much lighting would put youi in the high range if total 48W with reflectors, I'd just run 1 bulb.....unless you do DIY co2, or you have A LOT of surface agitaiton to get a bit more Co2 into the tank

Don't mean to be rude, but I think you got that backwards. In a planted tank, the less surface agitation the better. When you use a powerhead, filter, etc. to move the water's surface, all you are doing is causing CO2 to gas off and leave the tank.

I will strongly agree that 48W is over 2 watts per gallon for your tank, so you will theoretically be in the high light range. For the plants you have, a single bulb would in fact be better since they are all medium - low light. T5HO are so efficient that if you only had 1 WPG you could grow all of your plants.

If you do keep both bulbs on you will have to stick to a strict fert scheduel and have to have DIY or pressurized CO2. DIY CO2 isn't that daunting, I am running a miniature version on my 2.5g and I can tell the plants appreciate it. As for ferts, I would recommend PPS Pro dosing system if you are interested.