Lighting

[bas12547]

What would be the minium lighting (Watt I assume) for a thirty gallon when they suggest mediuim to strong?
Thanks,
Brian

 

[simm]

Depends on whats in your tank. Fish only or Reef?

 

[bas12547]

Fish now, but I don't want to limit myself.
Thanks,
Brian

 

[supercichlid]

I too would like to know this, but for a 2ft 15g tank...so im bumping this up..

 

[bdubbya]

Usually 3 to 5 watts to the gallon. When saying medium to strong I would assume 4 to 5 watts if not more. For example for a thirty gallon tank, if you want 5 watts to the gallon you would need 150 total watts. HTH.

 

[jayster]

That is pretty depressing. It seems pretty hard to get 150 watts on top of a 30 gal tank. I see the power compacts at 24 inches that have a double actinic and a double natural bulb(Two thin tubes for each bulb) and I think it only puts out 65 watts. (Or could that be 65 per bulb?) and the cost seems to be around $200.00.
Anyway my set up is below and I would also like to add some color to my tank with the above mentioned pc. Can i get some advise on the general types of flora that can thrive with the above pc?

 

[bdubbya]

http://www.hellolights.com/4x55wretrofit.html
http://www.ahsupply.com/36-55w.htm
If you are willing to spend a little more than 200 bucks you can get 220 watts total. I'm not sure if this would be over kill, but I've read a couple of post that indicate that anemones need intense lighting. Not sure whether or not you want one, but you would always have that option. I do think that the lights you are talking about are probably 110 watts total, which is good for 3.7 watts per gallon. You might also check out ----, I havent done this personally, but it is an option. HTH.

 

[jayster]

thanks BW