Why do many people use 4 x 36W PL light for their 3ft planted tank? Because tank of this size is abt 40gal. (excluding the substrate) this will give 3.6W per gal. Why don't they use 2 x (36w x 24w) instead? This will give exact 3W per gal.
Anyone who is using 4 x 36W for their 3ft planted tank, can u let me know the reason cause i thought of setting up one.
Thks.
I'm not sure why there would be much reason except the ballast might be geared in increments of 2 for 2x 36w lamps.
With a good reflector and bulbs, 2x 36 or 3x 36 would be just fine.
There is a big trend in the last 5 years to add lots of lighting but I think folks are much better off with less, not more lighting.
Regards,
Tom Barr
the amount of light being used is dependent on the plants you want to grow. some who took this path may have been mesmerised by pearling ricca and they want to grow ricca. and ricca needs a lot of light.
as for the lighting configuration, 18w and 36w are common available for 2' and 4' respectively. not sure if 24w pl is available and even if it is available, it will be more expensive as it is not commonly used.
as a guide, most will go for <2w per gallon for low light plants and >3w per gallon for high light plants. these are not rules but a guide.
thomas liew
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