Is This Lighting Good Enough?

[fiskkeeperpro]

Would 48 watts of t5 lighting be alright to house most if not all plants on a 28gal tall tank?

Thanks
Will

 

[fish-aholic]

That would be less than 2 watts per gallon and with a tall tank . I would look into a better light.

 

[nry]

Depends on the height of the tank partly, what height is it? T5 lights are generally better suited to deep tanks due to higher intensity so they penetrate deeper...

 

[Squid]

That would be less than 2 watts per gallon and with a tall tank . I would look into a better light.

It really depends on what you are trying to achieve. I have seen some great looking, colourful and maintainable tanks with 1.3 or so Watts Per Gallon.. Your getting on for 2 watts per gallon, so I would definately think you have some good options, especially with a bit of cheap Co2 or seachem flourish excel as a carbon source.

Have a look here and here for some good ideas with lower light levels.

Don't be to eager to jump into masses of lighting... If you are like me and you just want some plants but not the commitment of a fully planted tank, there is still plenty you can do. I have just kept it simple (see below with about 1.3 wpg).. But if you want to go about it in full with higher lighting, have a look around at the tanks and see what plants you like, and the lighting requirements of each..

Hope that helps,
Squid

 

[fiskkeeperpro]

the tank is 58cm deep

will

 

[Themuleous]

Yeh work out want you want from the tank. You probably wont get glosso to carpet under that lighting in that tank but I dare say with CO2 addition you could get most things to grow.

Sam