Lighting Question

[plantass28]

Hi Everyone,

I have a question regarding lighting. I am taking care of a standard 29 gallon for my parents.

The canopy is custom made by my mother. The canopy is roughly 12 inches above the aquarium. The lights sit at about 10-11 inches. The lighting consists of a hagen glomat retro fit 2x20 watt flourescent light kit with two sylvania grow bulbs (9300k I believe) and two Lights of america power compact outdoor light fixtures at 27 watts each in the 6500k range. for a total of 94 watts over the tank. The inside of the hood is lined with as much reflective aluminum foil I could get in their.

My question is this. Is this enough light to grow most plants? I am worried that the canopy is too tall and that instead of being in the 3 watts per gallon range which I believe would be high light, that we are more likely in the 2 watts per gallon range since the canopy is so tall. Any and all thoughts on this welcome! Thanks.

[Leopardess]

that is plenty. Most plants will grow just fine at 2wpg, let alone 3 wpg, which is pretty high. Some light will be lost, but believe me, you should do alright:)

My 55's lights sit about a foot off the water, and I only have 160w over it, but look in my sig...its doing great;)


Ps, i'd ditch those 9300k bulbs for some CHEAPO GE 6500k bulbs. Generally speaking, you want a kelvin rating between 5500 and 6700k. Though there are exceptions - such as those 9325k lights that I've heard mentioned.

[plantass28]

Leopardess,

Thanks for your input!

Yeah your tanks don't seem to be suffering. ;)

The Sylvanias are on there mostly for color, it might just be the power compacts lighting or it might be the 6500k color temp, but with just those lights it really washes out all the color from the tank. I have found with the Cheapo Sylvanias which I get at the hardware store, that I get much better color balance on the tank.

BTW:
You are a little cutie! ;)~

[beviking]

Originally posted by plantass28

Yeah your tanks don't seem to be suffering. ;)

... it might be the 6500k color temp, but with just those lights it really washes out all the color from the tank.

BTW:
You are a little cutie! ;)~

I agree with plantass28 on all 3 accounts!

Oh, and you should have plenty of light plantass28!