Is 7.2 WPG too much?

[Markahsf]

I was thinking about getting this fixture for my 10 gallon.

http://www.aquatraders.com/20-inch-4...e-p/52302p.htm

For the price, it's a steal. If it's simply too much light, I can always take a couple bulbs out.

Opinions please. Thanks!

[jkan0228]

Way too much.

The WPG is void now that there are so many different types of lighting out there...

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/li...t5-t12-pc.html

[mistergreen]

If you take the bulbs out, it might not work. You'd break the circuit.
You only need one of those bulbs.

We use PAR value to measure light. The WPG rule was made when t8 bulbs were used.

[Complexity]

Is 7.2 WPG too much? Yes. Yes. And hell yes!

Does that answer the question?

While the WPG rule isn't truly valid, as has already been stated (nor is it good for smaller tanks), let's at least use it to give some idea of what might be more reasonable for a tank of that size.

If you're planning to use injected CO2 with ferts, then maybe look for something around the 2-3 WPG range (less would be fine, too). Without CO2 and ferts, think of something more around the 1.2-1.8 WPG range.

Of course, as was already said, WPG is not a truly valid measurement, but I hope it can give you some indication of just how "too much" 7.2 WPG would be.

[fusiongt]

I have a 10g and I use this Arcahaea 36 watt light:

http://www.adana-usa.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=452

I wouldn't say it's too much but only because my plants are abundant (overgrown really, I'm going to move to a larger tank soon for that reason). If you don't have a lot of plants though, you'll get algae quick with that 36w... so 70+ watts is out of the question, don't do it.

[radioman]

You can also use some CFl lights and hang them over your tank as a cheaper alternative.

[n00dl3]

That is a lot of light!!! you'll probably need to inject co2 and fertz or hang the fixture up higher to lessen the PAR.

[ryantube]

Problem will come when the light boil your tank water.