180g lighting question..

[ChrisH]

I'm in the process of getting things together to start a 180g planted tank( My first try at plants). I'm planning on keeping some Discus, Zebra Danios, Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Harliquin Rasboras.
I already have some VHO lighting from an old reef tank, and was wondering about using VHO on planted tanks? The set-up I have now consists of 4 6' bulbs at 160w each, totaling 640w. But that would be 3.5w per gallon. Sounds like too much doesn't it?? The ballasts I have can also run CF bulbs. Should I go with the CF, instead of the VHO. Any advice would be GREATLY APPRECIATED . And feel free to give advice on my fish stocking plans as well.
Thanks
ChrisH

[plantbrain]

You can use either bulbs.
Cost and life span of the bulbs may vary. PC bulbs offer more color options.

I'd just use what you have. You might want to stick in the 2-2.5 w/gal range.
Run just a few bulbs, not all of them.
4x 96w would do okay.

Add some algae eaters in there, maybe some cory cats also.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[Ranger]

!!!! CO2 !!!! IMHO

It's probably better not to use actinic bulbs if that’s what’s left over from your reef. There are allot of opinions on spectrum around here but you'll probably be wasting some electromagnetic radiation on plants with those.

[ChrisH]

Anyone else???

[plantbrain]

FAQ, searches and www.thekrib.com under lighting

Regards,
Tom Barr

[NJ Devils Fan]

Thats good lighting, not too much. But, you do need to have CO2.

[Heady]

3.5 wpg is way too much light if you're not planning to add CO2. I'm a little nervous using 2.2 wpg for my new 100 gallon...

[ChEeRs_BiG_EaRs]

heady, jsut out of interest are you using co2 4 ur 100g, and if so, pressrised or jsut diy?
and yes, i would ahve to agree, stick with 2.5 wpg, have a good substrate, ie fluorite, and co2 injection at some point. with some fertiliser daily, you cant go wrong, jsut get ready wiv the scissors, cos ur gonna have a lot of pruning to do :P
BiG EaRs