How much light do I need?

[xfactor]

I was trying to figure out the best combination for lighting cause its not cheep.


Do you person's ;P, think I need 2 (3Bulb 36" Strips) or 2 (2 Bulb 26" Strips) with a 135 Gallon 6x1.5x2?

if I got triples I was going to get
2 36" Trichromatic Fluorescent 30 Watt 360 Degree 36"
2 100% Actinic Blue 03, 30 Watt, 36"
2 Nutrigrow Plant Lamp for Freshwater 30 Watts, 36"

if I got doubles i was going to get
2 36" Trichromatic Fluorescent 30 Watt 360 Degree 36"
2 100% Actinic Blue 03, 30 Watt, 36"

doubles would be cheeper for me.


also the idea of 1 48" triple crossed my mind as well.

 

[Lithril]

For good plant growth as a general rule of thumb you generally need 2W per gallon. You can increase the light that reaches the tanks by using reflectors (arcadia make these).

 

[xfactor]

they have built in reflectors

Triple Tube Fluorescent Light Strips
Use these triple tube strip lights over glass tops to provide high-output aquarium lighting. They feature an electronic ballast for longer lamp life and higher output per lamp, yet they use less energy than a standard two-lamp magnetic fixture. Includes three fluorescent T-8 tubes and a polished aluminum reflector.

the twin tube has reflectors as well