Hi Folks,

I'm just new to all this and just posted a thread the other day in the new section, so please no laughing if this question is stupid..

I have only have a 60x30x30 tank(very small) 54 liter or 14 gallons I think.. It has 15w T8 lighting that came with the hood.. My goal was to have cardinals but also nice plants... it seems that this lighting might not really be up to the job!if I wanted to get plants that are not low light.

With this in mind I was thinking when the funds permit.. to replace the T8 with something like an interpet T5 compact lighting system and hook it up with an triplus 16" 36w blub as I think I might get this in without getting a new hood and having to do any serious work.

This would give me alot more light than I currently have.. I know it's not the 3-4watts per gallon that you should have,(only 2.6watts) but was thinking it might give me more choice of plants. But I heard that these lights can run very hot.. do you think I could run into problems with them? The way the hood on the tank is done I only have a 20" lenght that I can run the light in... I think they come with fitting brackets but I'm not sure...

If anyone has any advice for me on this I'd be greatful

Thank You

all depending what plants you want to keep. 54l don't give you a big choive really since a lot of plants will grow too big. Most swords, Apanogetons, vallis and most stem plants are out of the question.
I have a 54l tank with only 18w T8 on it. Java fern and moss and a couple of crypts in it.They grow like mad. You could also use some Anubias nana.
It's really a question of what plants you would like to grow and how much money you want to spend on the lights

I agree with Holger. Add a few low light plants and see how you get on first. If you put too much light over that tank you'll end up with a major algae problem.

Another problem with the T5 compacts is that they generate a lot of heat. That could be a real problem over a small tank.

Thanks Folks, I was going to wait and see how I got on first.. but maybe looking at your advice it might be better to put on hold due to the small tank size.. Thank You..

Do either of you have any experience of T6 lights? I was looking around the web and found information about them.. It said that
they give out 40% more light than T8 and you don't have to change anything.. not sure myself but just thought it might be another idea to increase lighting if needed..

I've heard of T6 lights, but have never seen them. I believe you need to change the screw on end caps that make the light socket water tight as the T6's will have a smaller diameter than the T8's - 6/8ths of an inch as opposed to 8/8ths.

Thanks Ken

T6? Never even knew there was such a thing. Only ever heard about T4s,T5s, T8S and T12s.

BTW, T5s produce less heat than T8s. I have them over some of my tanks and you can touch them without getting burnt.

Before you change any bulbs make sure that you can get bi-pin end caps that conform with IP67

Holger - you're right, T5s generally run cooler. However, the compact T5s do run very hot and are known to have over heating problems in confined spaces. Especially at the higher voltages.

KenS wrote:
Holger - you're right, T5s generally run cooler. However, the compact T5s do run very hot and are known to have over heating problems in confined spaces. Especially at the higher voltages.
Never used the compacts. Always thought they were just bend T5s rather light CFC bulbs. Good to know

I'm now having overheating problems with my 24w T5 compacts. The symptoms are consistent with those I've read on other forums. The bulbs (which are anything from €15 - €20 each) are only lasting about 4 months. When I try to remove them, the base breaks off in the holder due to the glass cracking form overheating. The rubber holder is also perishing due to the heat.

I've just installed my 3rd set of buls in 10 months. These bulbs give great light when they're working, but that doesn't last for long.

I wouldn't recommend them.