Too much lighting or just right?

[Lukara]

Hi, my husband just built a canopy for our 50 gallon planted aquarium (18" deep). I was wondering if 4X40 watts (160 watts) of regular fluorescent lights (5000K) is too much or just right.

Also, I've read that the more lighting in an aquarium, the more frequently it should be dosed with fertilizers. At what point should one consider dosing more than once a week and more than twice a week?

Thanks.

 

[Fishiebusiness]

Its a decent ammount of light, you'll want to have a steady co2 supply since thats the most important "nutrient."

 

[nvision]

a bit over 3w/g is a tad on the high side, imho, so i would definately add co2 along with it. as far as dosing with fertilizers, i would suggest against predicting the amount quantitatively, as there is no systematic way of determining a proper dosage.

just observe your plants, they will tell you what they need. then dose accordingly.

 

[djlen]

Click on the search button(upper right of screen). Type in either Tom Barr or Plantbrain. You will see numerous threads regarding dosages. You are bound to find one that will give you a ball park figure for your lights/gallons parameters. Or, he will probably respond to this thread sooner or later.
Through many experiences(some of them negative) I've found that just CO2 is not enough. Balance is the key, along with "clean" water(water changes weekly). Every tank is different and requires different tweaks in dosing. Follow his advice and be patient and then it becomes easy.
Len