How many watt lighting for 2ft tank?

[Zenislev]

I just bought a new 2ft tank, planning to use it for plants. So how many watt lighting should i use to achieve the best results for a planted tank?

[dxchen]

Hi Zack

You can use the aquarium calculator here: http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum/aq_calculator.php to calculate your tank volume. The recommended amount of lighting is about 2-3 watts per gallon depending on the plants that you plan to have in your aquarium.

[doubleace]

Zack

normally 2x36W PL can already.

[jonas83]

Hi there,

I would recommend that you use 25W to 30W for 2 ft tank. And a pointer to note that no all 2 ft lights can suit high watts. So when you buy, do ask the seller for 25-30W light. OR ask the seller for 2ft light suitable for planting=)

[Shadow]

It depends on what plant you want to plant, high tech or low tech. For high tech you can try 55W PL, 2x24W T5 and above. For low tech you can try 24W T5 or 36W PL. Too much light mean everything will grow fast however slight unbalance and algae will grow fast also . Low light or low tech algae will grow slower however not all plant will grow nicely in low tech, especially those foreground may grow tall instead of creeping low.

Nevertheless I would recomend 55W PL or 2x24 T5.

[Zenislev]

Where will be the best place to get PL lighting systems? My 2ft tank comes with "bracing" on the tank rim (like those GEX tanks), can normal lights stand on it?

[torque6]

There is a 3WPG rule, think it applies for > 2FT tanks.

[Salphur]

Where will be the best place to get PL lighting systems? My 2ft tank comes with "bracing" on the tank rim (like those GEX tanks), can normal lights stand on it?

Hi,
i would recommend NA (opposite Thomson Medical Centre) to get your PL lights. I find the price reasonable and having at least a one year warranty on the light sets. The shopowner, Mr Chan can also help you to make a better informed decision.

Cheers!

[yck]

i using 15W x 2 . both tubes from acradia . 2 weeks already green water . dont know if its my light too strong or what.

[Don90]

I'm also using 2x15 watt lighting, I on the light for about 8-10 hours.

Is my lighting too weak? Because I see you guys are having 24x2 or 36x2 lighting?

[Zenislev]

Thanks alot my bros, i just got my 2x24W T5HO lighting.

[Shadow]

i using 15W x 2 . both tubes from acradia . 2 weeks already green water . dont know if its my light too strong or what.

Thats odd, usually green water is due to excessive light, does it received direct sunlight?

I'm also using 2x15 watt lighting, I on the light for about 8-10 hours.

Is my lighting too weak? Because I see you guys are having 24x2 or 36x2 lighting?

Depend on your plant, what plants do you have? 30W should be enough for low tech tank/plants

[leeruisheng]

i using 15W x 2 . both tubes from acradia . 2 weeks already green water . dont know if its my light too strong or what.

I'm also using 15W X 2 FL arcadia tubes too without much algae problems. But growth rate slow and steady. http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...399#post306399

[Shadow]

which is expected for 30W on 2ft tank