Whattage Per Gallon
- Thread starter moe_1
- Start date
I am assuming a freshwater setup here, this will not apply to a reef tank for example, although that is not "planted" in the same way!
2 Watts per gallon of full spectrum fluorescent light per gallon lit for 10-12 hours a day is classed as "Medium" light over a normal rectangular tank. Deeper tanks will require more.
3.5 Watts per gallon otherwise as above is "High" light. 4 Watts per gallon "Very High".
Be aware that fluorescent lamps dim as they get older. Generally the cheaper the lamp the quicker it dims. Lamps should be replaced when their light output falls, not when they finally burn out.
If you are using incandescent light, (ordinary GLS light bulbs), the wattage figures above will need to be multiplied by 4. Note, GLS lamps generate a lot of heat which can be a problem over a tank.
If you are interested in setting up for a planted aquarium, browse Tropicas plant list to see what type of plants will fit your water conditions, and what kind of lighting it needs. If this is your plan, I would go for at least 2 Watts per gallon, and choose plants that require Medium light and have an "Easy" or "Very Easy" category - that way you will not need to worry about CO2 injectors or things like that - they can be added later if you want. At the same time, if you are building your own hood, the more space you have to expand your lighting rig at a later date, the more flexibility you will have.
2 Watts per gallon of full spectrum fluorescent light per gallon lit for 10-12 hours a day is classed as "Medium" light over a normal rectangular tank. Deeper tanks will require more.
3.5 Watts per gallon otherwise as above is "High" light. 4 Watts per gallon "Very High".
Be aware that fluorescent lamps dim as they get older. Generally the cheaper the lamp the quicker it dims. Lamps should be replaced when their light output falls, not when they finally burn out.
If you are using incandescent light, (ordinary GLS light bulbs), the wattage figures above will need to be multiplied by 4. Note, GLS lamps generate a lot of heat which can be a problem over a tank.
If you are interested in setting up for a planted aquarium, browse Tropicas plant list to see what type of plants will fit your water conditions, and what kind of lighting it needs. If this is your plan, I would go for at least 2 Watts per gallon, and choose plants that require Medium light and have an "Easy" or "Very Easy" category - that way you will not need to worry about CO2 injectors or things like that - they can be added later if you want. At the same time, if you are building your own hood, the more space you have to expand your lighting rig at a later date, the more flexibility you will have.
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