I'm starting a 15 gallon planted aquarium. Basically a taller 10 gallon. For the light I found a nice Current fixture rated at 80 watts. Is this going to be too much and just cause algae to grow? The tank is also going to have c02. Should I look for something with less power?
How much light is too much?
- Thread starter gatorchong
- Start date
mellowvision
Seafood Lover
legendaryfrog
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No, it is not too much. i was on the rex grigg [rexgrigg.com] planted tank website a few days ago, and according to him, the equivelant of 220 watts on a 55g tank would be 71 watts on a 10 gallon. So, 80 watts on a 15g tall isnt pushing it over the limit.
Smaller tanks dont have the WPG rule apply to them. When I was in college, I had 27 watts over a 3 gallon planted nano cube. The tank, even due to its small size was stable.
Smaller tanks dont have the WPG rule apply to them. When I was in college, I had 27 watts over a 3 gallon planted nano cube. The tank, even due to its small size was stable.
Just remember, more lights = more nutrient uptake by the plants. If you decide to keep your current lights, be on top of your fertilization routine or algae will get a foot hold.
Plecosterone
We don't need no stinking badges!
:iagree:
It is going to be easier to start with less light. I find it is harder to keep algae under control when starting with lots of light. Let the tank slowly get established with some fast growing plants and then add more light.
Thanks for the replies. in reading around I didn't think it was going to be too much either but I appreciate both opinions. There is two 40 watt bulbs in the hood with separate switches, so I can start out with just one of the bulbs on and once the tank is established for a little while I can start using the other bulb as well. Thanks again. 