Lighting Choices

[The Duke]

Having searched for an overhead light for some time I have narrowed things down to two options. My tank is 78cm wide which appears to be an odd length. What are your thoughts on the following choices. Btw my tank is 20 gallon.

1) an overhead light with two 24 watt bulbs but the bulbs are only 50cm in length which would leave "dead space" of approx 15cm either side.

2) An overhead light with two 14 watt bulbs but the bulbs are longer at 62cm which reduces the "dead space."

My dilemma is do I go for the brighter light but smaller length bulb or the less bright light with the longer bulb. Any thoughts?

 

[OldMan47]

I bought an aftermarket light strip on line that holds 2 T-5 HO tubes at a nominal 2 feet long, about 60cm. It pushes plenty of light to both ends of my 2 1/2 foot long 29 gallon tank.
I just ran out and took this picture of it.

 

[The Duke]

Thanks old man. Have you god some type of lid on that tank as I am worried about loss of water through condensation with havin no hood.

 

[BigFish01]

If you do your weekly water changes you shouldnt have to worry about water loss due to evaporation. I have half glass top under my open back canopy and i lose about a half inch of water per week in my 55gal. The only reason i run half my glass tops is to make it so my clowns cant jump out if they wanted to and keeps water from splashing on my t8 fixture.