Lighting - Hours??

[Seasand]

Hi guys, Trying to get to grips with planted tank.
How long should my lights be on for in my planted tank??
1 x 48" T8 Classica Tropical Sunlight
1 x 48" T8 Classica Natural Daylight

Tank = 54" L x 12" W x 18" H
About 50 US gallons

 

[jbradt]

I'm assuming that your t8s are 40 watts apiece? If this is the case, you can probably go with about 9-10 hours. What sort of plants do you have?

 

[Seasand]

Hardy plants mostly. Will try and identify them all and let you know as they were bought for me by my wife.
The lights together pull 74 watts

 

[jbradt]

So you're right about 1.5 wpg. Here's a good link to identify plants and browse what might be appropriate. I think the 9-10 hour range should be a good starting place though. You can adjust from there depending on the results.

 

[Seasand]

Thanks for the info but can you resnd the link as it didn`t appear...
Cheers!!

 

[jbradt]

Thanks for the info but can you resnd the link as it didn`t appear...
Cheers!!

You should be able to click on the word "here"...

http://plantgeek.net/plantguide_cat.php?category=1

:thumbsup: