Lighting For 5 Gal.

[JasonPlus]

I've decided to plant my 5 gallon tank and I'm just curious as to how much lighting I could put in without having to worry about excess algae since I'm not adding Co2. I've read that under 2 WPG is fine in most cases, but since smaller tanks require more light than larger ones, would I be safe to use more light and be free of algae?

I've decided that compact flourescent is the way to go in my case, its really the most economical choice. I had read that not only WPG important, but the watt intensity. As in one 16 watt bulb is better than two 8 watt bulbs. Currently there is only one fixture in the hood for a bulb, but I could easily fit another in there.

I'm assuming that if I put in another bulb I'd have to also add a condensation tray to keep water out of the fixture right?

Thanks everyone for the help, I seriously wouldn't know where I'd be without you guys.

 

[srolfe]

I have noticed that the 10G Aquariums on the AGA site generally have at least twice the lighting that usually comes with those tanks. I would say 15-20 Watts for a 5G.

 

[kenneth_kpe]

Scott Rolfe is right you will need higher lighting but i would say higher still check out the AGA contest site and look at their lighting levels it is normal to see small tanks there with over 8WPG

 

[JasonPlus]

But the thing to keep in mind is that I'm not adding Co2 at all. I haven't had any planting experience in the past, but from what I've read algae grows with too much light and no Co2 injection.

 

[kenneth_kpe]

ohhh in that case then stick with around 20 watts 20-23 ive seen really beautifull 2.5 gallon tanks with only 16 watts lighting so a little bit more would be enough for a 5 gallon IMO

 

[JasonPlus]

Well a little bit of DIY later I've got my hood pretty much ready to go. I found a 15 watt full spectrum compact fluorescent at the store and I'm going to give that a shot. I can now put two bulbs in the hood, but I was thinking that 30 watts and 6WPG overall would be too much for my 5 gallon without adding Co2.

I currently have one relector that I will use with the single bulb, but I was thinking if I used two, I'd leave out the relector so that not all the light would go into the tank. Any thoughts?

In the end I have to buy the full spectrum bulb in a pack of two so I'll have them anyway, but I'd like to save the hassle of changing things around later.

If algae does come about, I was thinking about stocking the tank with just algae eating shrimp and moving my betta to a 2 gallon bowl. I can't have both in the tank because he really seems to hate shrimp and relentlessly nips at them.

Thanks guys for the help.

 

[houndour]

Hiya,

I have a 5 gallon that I havent touched except for topping up evaporated water. I have no livestock in it, although the plan was to have a dwarf puffer.

My main problem is heat (hence why I have no livestock).

I have a 24W PC tube, but I only have it on for 4 hours, 2 off, on 4 hours.

I have no CO2, no fertilisers, no heater.

My 5 gallon is now a jungle of some kind of saggitaria (dwarf kind), hermianthus micranothoids (sorry spelling), cardamine lyrata and glosso. The glosso isnt doing very well (growing tall) because the cardamine plant is covering the surface really).

I have no algae.

Saying all that...I'm scared to touch it cos I think it's at such a balance that if I remove some plants to allow more light for the glosso i think I might get an out burst of algae.

Also, so you dont get discouraged, I did have a big algae outbreak at the beginning of this setup. So it's just getting things balanced. Waiting for the plants to grow to compete with the algae.

Good luck.
Sam

 

[JasonPlus]

I found a 23 watt full spectrum fluorescent bulb today and I just got it in my hood. I must say that it makes such a difference. My plain old VT is now a shimmering beauty. I am now all for full spectrum lights and will never go back to the 'soft white' lights that are actually quite yellow.

 

[pseud]

I converted from a 1g betta tank to a 5g planted and my bettas health was greatly improved. He's really vibrant now.

Anyway, I'm currently using 15w, but I am using DIY CO2 and about to upgrade to 26w.

 

[Incitic]

Id say the 23watt would be a bit too much with no added co2.

But I'd just keep an eye on it.