Lighting for my tank?

[kev_kb]

Hi all,

I'm soon to get a new tank that is 48" x 22" x 15" which is around 55 gallons. I've got everything ordered apart from the lighting which I'm not sure what to do with.

I guess I want to keep medium light level plants, but how much light would be medium for this tank? I was thinking of 2 42" 38W tubes would that be ok?

Thanks everyone.

 

[simonbrown403]

I think its about 2wats per gal for medium light. so you would probably need 3 38wat tubes,

 

[Griz]

You could grow many plants that require low to medium light with that setup. Do you have any specific plants in mind?

 

[kev_kb]

Nothing particular in mind really, just wanted a bit more choice than the normal Java Fern and Anubias kinda plants. A grass or similar that would cover a lot of the substrate would be cool.

How good is the watts per gallon rule and does it apply to tanks of this size?

 

[George Farmer]

I think your tank volume is approx 70 US Gallons so 2 x 38W would be just over 2 WPG. The biggest problem I see is the depth of your tank - 22". If you wish to grow a carpeting plant then you may need more light - obviously carpeting plants are at the bottom where light levels are a lot lower. This said I am growing Eleocharis acicularis well in 2 WPG with a depth of 20" - BUT I have good quality full-spectrum lighting with reflectors, a nutrient-rich substrate with heater-cable, high CO2 levels and soft water.

In summary I imagine you would have limited success with most species at 2 WPG if you buy good full-spectrum tri-phosphor tubes (aim for 5500 to 6700K). If you want a carpeting species you may require more light and CO2 injection. A couple of exceptions could be Sagittaria natans or Echinodorus tennelus. A decent substrate would benefit these (and most) plants.

 

[kev_kb]

Got the tank today and it turns I was wrong, its not 22" tall, it's 18" as far as the water will go. The over area is the cover glass and hood. I've already purchased one tube and starter as that's all my LFS had. Will have a look round at some others tomorrow for another tube or two.

Thanks for the advice everyone, think I will look into the two exceptions gf225 suggested for carpeting plants and see how things go.