Another Lighting Question??

[Discplaya]

I'm starting my first planted tank (40H) 36"x13"x20". I plan on adding pressurized CO2, But for now I want to invest in the right lighting first.

T5 HO

Or...

Compact Flourescent

I want to do this right the first time. So I'd appreciate some feedback from other users with tanks of similar depth. I know a lot people prefer shallow tanks for planted aquariums. But this is what I have to work with.

On a side note if you can suggest a model that runs cool/quiet that would be great. The tank sits opposite my newborn's crib so a noisy fan would not be fun for me Also safer is better in terms of heat production.

Thanks guys

 

[chonhzilla]

I'm all in for T5's. I've had compacts before, but after giving in and switching to T5's I've got nothing but great things to say about it. The Penetration and color of the T5's are amazing and the plants freakin love the T5's. T5's all the way.

 

[Discplaya]

I was kinda leaning towards running t5's.
Any suggestions in brand?
I was looking at the Coralfie Aqualight and the Current Nova Extreme.
Anyone running either of these, or has a better suggestion?

 

[chonhzilla]

I'm using coralife's right now, but only because I got a great deal on it. But you can check out fishneedit.com for great deals. I was originally going to purchase the 2X39watt 36" fixture but like I said, I came across a deal too good to pass up.

Plus fishneedit.com comes with free bulbs.

 

[mgamer20o0]

t5 is the way to go now. as long as each bulb has its own reflectors it gets more light with less power and runs cooler then cf.

http://www.fishneedit.com/t5ho-ligh.html