light levels in watts

[lovespunaround]

I'm no expert in aquarium lighting so I always just assumed that even though I got the lights that said they were good for plant growth, I should stick with low/med light level plants (according to what the tags at Petsmart say). I only recently started looking at wattages and it turns out I'm limited to 18 watts since I've got a 29 and I can only afford to single-bulb it.

But since I'm no expert, what are some general guidelines for low/med/high light levels in watts?

 

[WyldFya]

Low: 2-3W/gallon

Medium: 3-4W/Gallon

High: 4-6W/Gallon

Time to look at a power compact fixture, or HO T5 bulb setup with 4 bulbs.

 

[lovespunaround]

wow. I'm doing worse than I thought.
thanks.

wow.

 

[upyun]

I'm no expert in aquarium lighting so I always just assumed that even though I got the lights that said they were good for plant growth, I should stick with low/med light level plants (according to what the tags at Petsmart say). I only recently started looking at wattages and it turns out I'm limited to 18 watts since I've got a 29 and I can only afford to single-bulb it.

But since I'm no expert, what are some general guidelines for low/med/high light levels in watts?

Are you sure that a 30" bulb is only 18 watts?

Brian

 

[Newt]

There are no 30" bulbs (it jumps from 24" to 36"), a stardard 29 gallon would have a 24" 20 watt bulb (Just so there is no confusion I'm talking about standard output flourescents.)

With that kind of light you MAY be able to grow Java moss and ferns.

A 24" compact flourescent will give you 65 watts and runs about $60 for a Coralife on Dr.'s F & S. That would give you enough light for most plants.

IMHO for a freshwater planted, 1.5 watts is low, 2 watts medium, and 3+ watts per gallon is high light if your tank is less than 20 inches deep.

 

[WyldFya]

There are no 30" bulbs (it jumps from 24" to 36"), a stardard 29 gallon would have a 24" 20 watt bulb (Just so there is no confusion I'm talking about standard output flourescents.)

With that kind of light you MAY be able to grow Java moss and ferns.

A 24" compact flourescent will give you 65 watts and runs about $60 for a Coralife on Dr.'s F & S. That would give you enough light for most plants.

IMHO for a freshwater planted, 1.5 watts is low, 2 watts medium, and 3+ watts per gallon is high light if your tank is less than 20 inches deep.

WRONG! There are 30" bulbs.

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18358/si1379188/cl0/aquaglofluorescentlamp30t8

 

[lovespunaround]

18 watts because my long hoods don't work anymore so I'm using one for a 20 high. But I moved the tank across the room so it's in a window now and I'm thinking of not even using a fluorescent light anymore because it looks so much better now with real natural light.

 

[WyldFya]

I've heard of several people doing this, and having amazing tanks. Of course if you live in the arctic circle this isn't a good choice.

 

[cbfreder]

I've got less than 1 WPG like you and I grow java moss and java fern nicely. I just got a crypt and anubia. I see new growth from the crypt on a daily basis. Nothing from the anubia yet. Nothing, period.

Brandon

 

[dodgefreak8]

keep in mind that the WPG rule only really applies to tanks that range from 20-75 gallons A larger tank like my 220 is considered medium to high lighting with 1.5wpg Smaller tanks like 10gal are the opposite. 2 wpg is not real high for a tank that small.