Lighting.. Adding more lights or increase strenght

onmyzephyr · 12-04-2012, 11:14 PM

Hey guys

I'm new to this forum , i was wondering if anyone could answer my question about lighting , i have tried researching but cannot seem to find the right answer.

I plan to buy a T5 HO 4 x 14 watt lights for my 65 liter tank (approx 20 gallons.. a bit less..i think 17..), but i am scared the intensity is not strong enough, my other option is a 2x 24 watt t5 HO lighting.

The reason i have chosen the 4 x 14 is that the lighting is adjustable. meaning that i cant turn on 2 or 4 lights while the other unit only has one light switch

please help

el Caspar · 12-04-2012, 11:52 PM

I would go with the 4x14 sinc it's got two switches. At 28 watts (two bulbs on), you have enough light for low light plants. While at 56watts, all on, you are just under 3 watts per gallon, the recommended general lighting for medium to high light plants. Really you have more options with that light, and with four bulbs you can mix your spectrum bulbs to get a cooler more customized lighting for your tank.

onmyzephyr · 12-05-2012, 01:27 AM

Thanks man , Im just worried if the intensity isnt as good. it wont penertrate the bottom.

12-04-2012, 11:14 PM	#1
onmyzephyr Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: sydney australia Posts: 3	Lighting.. Adding more lights or increase strenght Hey guys I'm new to this forum , i was wondering if anyone could answer my question about lighting , i have tried researching but cannot seem to find the right answer. I plan to buy a T5 HO 4 x 14 watt lights for my 65 liter tank (approx 20 gallons.. a bit less..i think 17..), but i am scared the intensity is not strong enough, my other option is a 2x 24 watt t5 HO lighting. The reason i have chosen the 4 x 14 is that the lighting is adjustable. meaning that i cant turn on 2 or 4 lights while the other unit only has one light switch please help

12-04-2012, 11:52 PM	#2
el Caspar Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 45	I would go with the 4x14 sinc it's got two switches. At 28 watts (two bulbs on), you have enough light for low light plants. While at 56watts, all on, you are just under 3 watts per gallon, the recommended general lighting for medium to high light plants. Really you have more options with that light, and with four bulbs you can mix your spectrum bulbs to get a cooler more customized lighting for your tank. __________________ Steward of the Tank

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12-05-2012, 01:27 AM	#3
onmyzephyr Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: sydney australia Posts: 3	Thanks man , Im just worried if the intensity isnt as good. it wont penertrate the bottom.