Simple Lighting Question

[VivaLaVics]

I have a 14 gallon tall that is pushing 4 watts per gallon. (Because its tall, it needs more light)

Well... now I'm addicted to planted tanks and have a 10 gallon I am setting up... How many watts are needed for a standard 10 gallon tank?

Would 2 regular 15 watt florescent bulbs do the trick?

Thank you!

 

[jpappy789]

Depends on what you want to do really. I have 2 15w on my 10 and it works well.

 

[VivaLaVics]

Thanks jpappy. I may just have to see how it goes and get better lighting if needed.

 

[kyle3]

if you already know how to maintain a higher light tank you should do great with 30w over a 10g. the smaller the tank the more wpg you want. 3wpg should be good

cheers-K

 

[VivaLaVics]

Thanks Kyle! I think I'm going to go purchase a 20" Compact Florescent Satellite Fixture and do 40watts. *shrug* Might as well! I want it to be heavily planted. We'll see.

Is 40 too much????

 

[kyle3]

nope it just means more CO2 and more maintinence

cheers-K

 

[jpappy789]

Might mean Co2, might not. With smaller tanks its even harder to draw a line between low and high maintenance setups. I would see how things work out and you can always try DIY Co2 later on.

 

[kyle3]

sorry jpappy but it will require a higher minimum CO2 saturation- i didn't say it's not possible with DIY. jjust that the ppm will have to be higher with higher light to avoid algae issues. read any plantbrain/tom barr post on the subject if you don't believe me.

cheers-K

 

[VivaLaVics]

I haven't used CO2 yet... I have active yeast, sugar, water and 2 empty, clewan 2 liter pop bottles with extra tubing to do it but I havent had an issue with algae yet so I havent added the CO2. I figure if I have an issue, I'll put together a DIY CO2 system (trying shorter lighting periods first). If the DIY doesnt work then I'll purchase a legit CO2 system. But for now I havent needed it. I dont know if I'll need it in my 10 gallon if I havent in my 14 tall. But it is something I'll be keeping an eye on.

I purchased (2) 18 watt coralife mini lights. They each hold (2) 9 watt compact florescent bulbs (like the ones I am using on my 14) that add up to 3.6 watts per gallon. So both tanks have about the same lighting. One is deeper than the other.

My LFS had a HUGE sale this weekend for their anniversary so I spent far too much money. (as girls do when there is a sale) Below are photos of the tank in question and the lighting I am using.

Descriptions of photos:
Photo 1 - Before
Photo 2 - Lighting (Sorry sideways)
Photo 3 - Added the Backing
Photo 4 - Boiling Wood
Photo 5 - Rocks Soaking
Photo 6 - Start of setup
Photo 7 - Finished
Photo 8 - Entire Wall

Any advice or ideas... I've read the CO2 sticky and I will add it when needed- thus far I have not needed it.

I did purchase fertilizers for my planted tanks. I bought KNO3, NH2PO, and K2SO4 (Based on the sticky about ferts). I have NO clue how to convert these stupid measurments for 30 gallons worth into 10 gallons worth... which I am posting a thread about after I finish this.

Thanks for all the help- getting into these planted tanks has been a great addition to my hobby, and I wouldn't have done it without great help & info from people like ya'll on AC!

(Fert thread on this tank: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=192021)