Lighting?

[CluelessScot]

i bought a second hand tank and the hood is a home made job with a strip light but its not big enought... i was wondering how much light i need, like what watt or if i could buy another 2ft strip light and put the 2 side by side? The current light is a 13w 21" strip light and i was thinking if i addes the same again next to it would that be ok or do i need more light?

Thanks

Kev

 

[sinistral]

Are you growing plants in the aquarium? If so, you'd need more light-- exactly how much would depend on what kinds of plants you'd like to grow.

If you have just fish, it won't make much difference either way.

How big is the tank?

 

[CluelessScot]

my tank is L48" x H18" x W12" - 44gallon

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...15&#entry927215

thats some pics of it

i have plants and i would like them to be happy to

 

[Dubby]

my tank is L48" x H18" x W12" - 44gallon

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...15&#entry927215

thats some pics of it

i have plants and i would like them to be happy to

[snapback]927217[/snapback]​

For 44gallons you will need about 88watts from a fluorescent lamp. Thats just a thumb rule of 2W/gallon. This should keep your plants happy. I would add more plants to start with so that you dont give algae a chance to get a hold. I would aim for around 50 plants atleast (not necessarily all large ones).