Wpg For Planted Tanks?

[weezawoo]

How do you work out the WPG (probably soooo simple!!!)
Also what is the recommended amount? Obviously someone will say it depends on ...blahblah
I am just starting off my tank and trying to understand what lighting I have or should get!

 

[KittyKat]

Take the wattage of the bulbs (total) and divide by US gallons of water that your tank holds. Watts per gallon.

I usually prefer to have between 1 and 2 wpg for a tank that size.

 

[weezawoo]

Ha wasn't sure if that was right, that just sounded too easy so wanted to check! Thought there might be something to do with the distribution in the water and technical stuff!
Thanks

 

[weezawoo]

I only have .875 per gal! Uhoh

 

[KittyKat]

Thought there might be something to do with the distribution in the water and technical stuff!

Well, that would be more accurate.. but in practice, most people find it easier to just use total volume so that's what everyone uses.

I only have .875 per gal! Uhoh

Not the end of the world, undemanding plants can still do well with this lighting.