Well i have a 40gal tank and it came with the regular 20w lighting. If i were to add a dual 40w fluorescent (2 x 20w) and put it right next to it, would it add to the amount of lighting in my tank? Like 20w+40w=60w/40gal=1.5watts/gal. or will it just depend on the brightest lighting? Example, since each fluorescent would all be 20w, then the total output of brightness would just be 20w (thus 20w/40gal=.5watts/gal.
2007-01-28 19:58:53 · 6 answers · asked by flipnotik 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Before 'blowing' more money on extra fixtures go with the suggestions to use plant friendly bulbs! You may find that's enough for your plants.
In any event more lumen's and grow bulbs *can* increase algae growth but that's just a sign you've made your tank plant friendly
2007-01-29 04:59:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
im not an expert on lighting -- i keep plants that would grow in a closet i think -- java fern, java moss, anubias. i think fluorescents add more watts per gallon than an incandescent. so a 20 watt fluorescent is more lighting than a 20 watt incandescent. in that the lightbulb extends the length of the tank and an incandescent is only 6". you do add all your wattage together for a wattage output but with fluorescents you take into account the length of the bulb as well. i think astrophysics might be easier. thank the gods for java fern.
2007-01-28 20:26:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, adding an additional light bulb will add to the total lighting. So 2 20 watt bulbs make 40 watts.
Yes, more light will increase algae growth, but only if you don't have the proper balance of light/CO2/ferts. When you increase light, make sure to increase ferts and CO2 and you will see very little if any algae growth.
2007-01-29 04:50:31 · answer #3 · answered by fish guy 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First - any flourescent bulbs will work, but some have higher spectrum which will help. The "ideal" ratio is 4 watts per gallon, and for this you need to move to VHO lights, or "very high output".
I have had great growth with 2 watts per gallon.
2007-01-28 22:06:39 · answer #4 · answered by Clrinsight 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Yes, adding more light would increase plant growth. But it will also increase algae growth to !
2007-01-28 20:04:23 · answer #5 · answered by g_man 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Only "growlux" bulbs will make the plants grow...take out what you have now ...light wise & put a "growlux" bulb instead...thats what will make your plants grow....doing what you're doing now will just add more light & increase the growth of algae....
2007-01-28 20:31:31 · answer #6 · answered by Funky 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋