Planning to start up a new tank

[kevinicus]

Hi everyone..
this is my first post and thread so please be kind.

I am looking at starting a new tank at size 60x45x45 and I'm currently considering what lighting I should go with.

I am thinking about choosing a 70W MH but I am concerned that it isn't enough light to grow a good carpet (example HC). With 70W i get ~ 2.2WPG

The next step up is a 150W MH which is just too much I think. ~5wpg
I think I may be able to get 2x70W MH as well... yielding ~4.6WPG, still quite a lot.

Generally speaking, I would like enough light so that I will not be limited to what pants I can grow..

In your experiences, do you think I can do well with 2.2WPG? Maybe I can add some T5?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you everyone for your time.

[Viper007]

I am looking at starting a new tank at size 60x45x45 and I'm currently considering what lighting I should go with.

In your experiences, do you think I can do well with 2.2WPG? Maybe I can add some T5?

Yours is a 2ft but with a depth to 45... you should consider getting a T5 lights with 24W x 4 = 96W your HC will grow well.

Good luck! and Cheers mate!

[kevinicus]

thanks for your reply viper.. definitively have to consider that... although I was looking forward to the ripple effect from MH lights
Interesting update; found htis item: Sfiligoi ZENITH 1x70W + 2x24W which yields 118W! Hopefully the T5 will controlled independently as well which would enable me to lower the wattage if i require!

do you think 45H is weird?

[Viper007]

do you think 45H is weird?

Wow so much lighting....... Well 45H is not weird cos mine is also 45H.

[grey_fox]

Sfiligoi ZENITH 1x70W + 2x24W should suffice and produce a nice lawn for your 2-footer. Actually 4 x 24WT5HO will also give you the same results, minus the ripple effect.

However, take into consideration, more light = more fertilization + chances of rapid growing algae if weekly maintenance is lacking.

[newtank]

Hi everyone..
this is my first post and thread so please be kind.

I am looking at starting a new tank at size 60x45x45 and I'm currently considering what lighting I should go with.

I am thinking about choosing a 70W MH but I am concerned that it isn't enough light to grow a good carpet (example HC). With 70W i get ~ 2.2WPG

The next step up is a 150W MH which is just too much I think. ~5wpg
I think I may be able to get 2x70W MH as well... yielding ~4.6WPG, still quite a lot.

Generally speaking, I would like enough light so that I will not be limited to what pants I can grow..

In your experiences, do you think I can do well with 2.2WPG? Maybe I can add some T5?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you everyone for your time.

When using MH you generally got to take care of the heat generated...I think a 70 W might be enough due to the intensity of a MH light. You cannot just look at the wattage alone. if you are getting 2 x 70 W, I would say just go for one first, if not enough then add. However if you are getting those combination ones, then just go for the higher one