[UTplantguy]

I have a 96 watt quad pc light on my 16gal bowfront, is this enough to grow most plants? as I have 6 watts per gallon (although i know the defraction due to the parallel bulbs lowers the wattage to around 80 watts).

 

[lisya]

Yeah, that's probably enough light to grow just about anything you want to. Are you planning on doing CO2 injection and fertilization? Without those two, you'd probably be better off trading that light in for something with a lower wattage (closer to 1.5 or 2 WPG).

 

[lauraleellbp]

Sounds like a better light setup for a reef tank than a planted tank. Personally, I'd cut that lighting by at least half, and you'd still need pressurized CO2 and daily ferts to keep up with it...

 

[UTplantguy]

I have pressurized c02, im not sure about the fertilizer, I have flourish root tabs in the substrate, and i dose K (most likely overdose it as i don't know how to test for it) as far as NO3 and PO4 go, i don't add them (flake food should provide enough PO4? and fish NO3?) Also, how much iron should i add?

 

[Minsc]

That is the same light I use on a 10 gallon, and I will tell you, it can be done. If you aren't completely sure what you are doing though, you are bound to get into trouble.
My recommendation would be to cut way down on the light for now, and keep this fixture for when you have more experience.

 

[UTplantguy]

That may be a good strategy, i have had reef tanks for over 10 years, and this is my first planted (in college now and left the reefs behind). as i dont have any other fixtures with me, could i reduce my 9 hour photoperiod to ~4.5 hrs?