Light Levels For 17usg?

[Dave Spencer]

I am looking to set up a 17USG nature aquarium(?) with pressurised CO2, >2WPG and ADA Aqua Soil. The tank capacity is adjacent to the point where the WPG rule starts to break down for smaller tanks, so, should I get a T5 2 x 24W luminaire, or the four tube?

 

[Themuleous]

Hi Dave,

What are the tank dimensions and do you mind having an open top tank?

According to the finches amano lighting guide you need 83w of light, so I would think if you can find a 3x24w tube one that would work well, or 2x 36w power compacts with a twin starter if you've got space.

Sam

 

[Dave Spencer]

Sam,

The tank is 60 x 36 x 30cm and I would like it to be open topped.

 

[Themuleous]

Get the same luminaire Ive got, thats 60cm its what Im going to use when I upgrade my 60x30 to EI. Zig's just got one and he says the same as me about them.

Link here

Sam

 

[Dave Spencer]

Thanks for that, Sam. I`ll keep an eye on it for the next couple of days.

How good are the tubes?

EDIT: I have just noticed the lighting link in your signature. Very useful.

 

[Themuleous]

Well the ad says daylight and the light is making my HC pearl so it cant be that bad. If you wanted to change them (which I might do at some stage) Arcadia do a plant pro T5 tube, which is a tad expensive but would probably work a treat.

Yeh interesting article that lighting one, gives a much better guide that WPG that's for sure!

Sam