lighting

[chua]

I thought of setting up a 3ft planted tank. And from what I had read, quite a number of people are using 4 x 36W PL lighting. Because from what i had calculated, a tank of this size can hold abt 40gal of water. (excluding the substrate ...) This mean that we will have 3.6watt per gal. Isn't it a bit too much. ( normally is 3watt per gal). On top of that, it is also hard to find one 2 x 36W pl light that that fit just nice on the 3ft tank.

Is it good enought to use just 2 x (36W and 24W) PL lighting instead. This will give exactly 3watt per gal. Because i found one shop selling this type pretty cheap.

Thks

[NaRcOsIs]

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On 6/21/2003 10:50:06 PM

I thought of setting up a 3ft planted tank. And from what I had read, quite a number of people are using 4 x 36W PL lighting. Because from what i had calculated, a tank of this size can hold abt 40gal of water. (excluding the substrate ...) This mean that we will have 3.6watt per gal. Isn't it a bit too much. ( normally is 3watt per gal). On top of that, it is also hard to find one 2 x 36W pl light that that fit just nice on the 3ft tank.

Is it good enought to use just 2 x (36W and 24W) PL lighting instead. This will give exactly 3watt per gal. Because i found one shop selling this type pretty cheap.

Thks
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3W/gal is just a guide for most kind of plants you can have. ie. plants with different light requirements.
It really depends on the kind of plants you have in your tank, together with the CO2 and nutrients to achieve the balance.. at least thats what i think..

[chua]

Thks for the reply.
Hence it is ok to use 2 x (24W x 36W).
What brand is good if i am only willing to spend less than $100 for one 2 x 36watt or 1 x (24W x 36W). Cause some brands cost more that $100 for such.
What happen if the lighting is too strong? Abt 3.5-4.5 watts per gal.

[NaRcOsIs]

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On 6/21/2003 11:13:51 PM

Thks for the reply.
Hence it is ok to use 2 x (24W x 36W).
What brand is good if i am only willing to spend less than $100 for one 2 x 36watt or 1 x (24W x 36W). Cause some brands cost more that $100 for such.
What happen if the lighting is too strong? Abt 3.5-4.5 watts per gal.
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im not sure about brands.. but you can give Nature Aquarium a visit. 3.5-4.5 W is fine.. if you dont mind the bills.. but do take note that when your lighting is up.. the rest of the requirements also up..

[liam]

i am on the following for my 3 footer:

2 x 36W PL
2 x 25W FL - Arcadia

pretty close to 3W per gallon. if too strong can still turn of one of the 25W tube. got them at NA - Thompson.

[chua]

Good idea liam.
How much and where did u brought your 2 x 36W PL light.
Thks.

[Dennerle]

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On 6/22/2003 11:17:48 PM

Good idea liam.
How much and where did u brought your 2 x 36W PL light.
Thks.
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can get ur 2 x36W PL light from Nature Aquarium at thomson at $99 whereas CR 55W PL eballast light only at $39.

[chua]

Thks for the recommendation.
I went dowm to NA yesterday to have a look at the 2 X 36W PL light. A lot of shops told me that it is impossible to fix two 36W tubes and the eballast together for a 3ft tank because of their length. But NA did it. But to crater for the two 36W tubes and the eballast. They actually arranged in such a way that the width is doubled. This results in lesser space for other equipment. (fan.....)
Hence, there are no win win situation.
Thks.[:]