So Now How Am I Doing?

G

gcis

AC Members
Jul 12, 2008
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I just got back from the Home Depot and got another $8 shop light assembly and another $6 2 pack of T12 40 watt 6500K lights. I already have one shoplight over my tank with two 40 watt 6500K lights so if I add this into the mix I should have 160 watts over my 55 gallon tank (2.9 watts per gallon).

I am going low light and the plants have been ordered and I have doubled my filtration ( 2 topfin 60's - 300 gph each - should turn the contents of my tank about 11 times an hour). I am going to wash out my flourite this weekend and layer it in the bottom of my tank in anticipation of my new stock.

With this setup does it sound like I am set for success with low light plants (java fern, anubias, & crypts)?

Will the doubling of my wattage hurt my low light plants or benefit them?
 
not really a low light tank but depending on the plants you should be fine
 
I have heard that not enough light in a low light tank and the plants won't grow as fast. I thought that by bumping it up a bit it might benefit the plant growth........so am I outside the range of a low light tank in wattage or am I ok?
 
I wonder if I only use one of the two sockets on the second shop light thus giving me only 120 watts over the tank (2.2 watts per gallon) if that would be better?
 
I am trying to do something similar, I was just told to get The General Electric "Sunshine" (Chroma 50) bulbs from the local Hardware store, 2 double strips will do it.
 
Doubling your wattage will benefit your low light plants. They won't get a sunburn... they will grow better than before with more color, and will produce more O2. With that much lighting though you might think about CO2.
 
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