On 2004-10-06, Paige wrote:
for our tank is the problem right now. We were thinking of a 30'' lite
strip with a 65watt 6500k compact fluorescent by coralife or a 36'' tube at
95watts. I understand the higher the watts the better for the plants.
BUT.... at 95watts on a 30 gallon 17'' deep tank...is that too bright?

It will definitely cause algae problems if you're not careful about
nutrients and CO2 levels. If you're planning pressurized CO2, you'll
probably get amazing growth out of a 95W light - that's over 3 watts per
gallon. 65W would probably be a lower maintainance tank - I have a 30G
tank with 72W that grows great plants (well, it would, but the fish in
the tank devour live plants and kill them all... so actually, no it
doesn't grow plants... lol)

If it were me, I'd got for the 65W - you'll be able to do DIY CO2, keep
the tank at lower maintainance, and it will still look really nice.
Unless you're after some specifically high lighting requirement plants -
then the 96W would be the only appropriate choice.

As a side note, check out www.ahsupply.com before you buy a fixture.
Their lighting gear is really the highest quality you can find, and for
the money, you can get incredible lighting.


--
Ross Vandegrift


"The good Christian should beware of mathematicians, and all those who
make empty prophecies. The danger already exists that the mathematicians
have made a covenant with the devil to darken the spirit and to confine
man in the bonds of Hell."
--St. Augustine, De Genesi ad Litteram, Book II, xviii, 37