how many watts?

[Jkoziatek]

if i have a 30 gal and i want plants to use how many watts should i use one a 24"

should i use a 75 watts VHO fluoresent?
or is a 5500k V8 fluoresent fine?

 

[Plecosterone]

I would start out with about 2 wpg =60watts and anything between 5,000 and 10,000K. Any more light and you will probably have to add ferts and CO2 (which wouldn't hurt anyway). With 2wpg you can grow most medium light plants and I find it easier to establish a tank with not too much light. If there are plants you want to add later that need more light, it can always be added then.