45g lighting

[RockabillyChick]

would a 1x96w bright kit from AH supply with one of their 6700k bulbs sufficiently light my 45g tank? as i understand it, the wpg rule is based on a T12 bulb with a flat top reflector. but the AHsupply kits are PC with a specially designed reflector, therefore creating much more usable light and focusing it straight down into the tank where it belongs, not letting it bounce around the hood and tank where its useless.

this will be heavily planted as an african biotope with plants like Ammannia Senegalensis, Madagascar lace, anubias, zosterella dubia, etc. with DIY CO2.

 

[phanmc]

The AH lighting system is good, but it won't drastically increase the available light to the point where you can cut back 1wpg. The Ammannia senegalensis is a very light intensive plant and will need 3wpg minimum, I don't think 2wpg is enough even with the AH kit.

 

[RockabillyChick]

except that if a normal T12 bulb puts out 100% light, the AHsupply light kit produces 162% output. that would be the equivalent of 3.4wpg in T12 bulbs

 

[debaric]

i wouldnt count on a more innovative reflector being the deciding factor for using less light. If you want 3+ wpg then get more CF light over the tank. Are those high light plants that you listed?

 

[TwoTankAmin]

I run 2x36w AH Supply over my 45 gal and am just short of needing co2- I use excel. There reflectors make a huge difference in the amount of light going into the tank. bear in mind that 50% of the light goes in the wrong direction, the more you can reflect back into the tank, the greater your effective wpg.

I also run a pair of 2x36w AH Supply over my co2 added 50. On simple math that is 144w or just under 3 wpg. There is nothing I can not grow in that tank.

I think with their 96w and reflector you are right on the edge and might pull it off. At worst the front part of the tank might be a bit under lighted due to the increased distance from the bulb.