how many watts for planted 25 gallon?

[Ice Man]

I have 25g planted tank. I want to take it up a notch and upgrade light from regular T5 to T5 HO. I have 2 choices:
Odyssea
1) 24in 48Watts, 2 bulbs, or
2) 20in 76Watts, 4 bulbs.

tank size is 24 long, 12 wide, 21 high
pressurized co2, dry fertilizers

Should I go with 48W or 76W?

[Hoppy]

The two bulb Odyssea light should give you between 40 and 50 micromols of PAR if it sits right on top of that tank. That would be a great light level to use. The 4 bulb would give about double that, which could be a problem for avoiding algae attacks, but if you can avoid the algae, you would stand a better chance of getting great reddish colors for the plants that tend to be red.

[owens81jw]

i think you should get the 2 bulb system

[Ice Man]

Originally Posted by Hoppy

The two bulb Odyssea light should give you between 40 and 50 micromols of PAR if it sits right on top of that tank. That would be a great light level to use. The 4 bulb would give about double that, which could be a problem for avoiding algae attacks, but if you can avoid the algae, you would stand a better chance of getting great reddish colors for the plants that tend to be red.

I think I will go with 48W. Less bulbs to replace.

[Ice Man]

Originally Posted by Hoppy

The two bulb Odyssea light should give you between 40 and 50 micromols of PAR if it sits right on top of that tank. That would be a great light level to use. The 4 bulb would give about double that, which could be a problem for avoiding algae attacks, but if you can avoid the algae, you would stand a better chance of getting great reddish colors for the plants that tend to be red.

Thanks. I just needed reassurance that 48W is enough to grow plants. Micromols and PAR are still mystery to me

[Drewsplantednutz]

I wouldnt go with a odyssea unless your on a budget. petsolutions has Current Nova t5ho on sale now, i just got a 36" and very happy. (code TENOFF will get you 10% more if you use it today) I was looking at the 4 bulb 36" odyssea for my 40g and know thats too much light and not close to the best light. And im pretty sure the odysseas are all the same bulb, no pink plant bulbs.

[Hoppy]

A high quality 2 bulb T5HO light, sitting right on that tank, would give too much light if you don't have the knowledge, experience and persistence to maintain it very well - algae would be the main growth in the tank. Odyssea lights aren't that good, and don't produce that much light, making them a good choice for this situation, in my opinion.

[Ice Man]

I just scored free GLO 2ft 48W, with what seams to be broken ballast. Already ordered new ballast from BRS.
Thank you all for your comments.