lights for a 55 gallon fish tank?

Question

how many watts is it per gallon for a 55 gallon fish tank?

also what brand of lights do you recommend?

and price :) thanxs!

Answer 1

For a fairly well lighted tank, you should look in the neighborhood of 2-3 watts per gallon. Since you've got a 55, just multiply the 55 time 2 and 3 = 110 and 165. You should aim for a wattage between those numbers, unless you want to grow high- light plants or have one of the "lush" aquaria, then go even higher.

I don't know where you're from, and prices will be different depending on where you're located. Here's a catalog I use for ordering supplies I can't find locally - you can take a look at the different lighting systems, their wattage, and the prices (although I would suggest finding what you need locally, or having your fish store special order what you want for you - shipping will only add to your final cost): http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/cat/info/22943/category.web

Answer 2

Take it out and take it to the store with you. Or, take it out and measure it with a tape measure....if no tape measure handy, a dollar bill is 6 inches long. Turn the hood over, and you'll see two notches where the 2 metal prongs fit in on either end of the light. Gently rotate the whole bulb until the metal prong shows at the notches and it should pop out. If it hasn't been replaced for awhile, it may feel kind of stuck, just be gentle but turn it firmly. When you put a new one in, do it the same way.

Answer 3

I have two 20 watt, 18 inch flourescent light tubes made by Eclipse. They are natural daylight bulbs made for aquariums. Don't get lights that are too bright, fish tend to stress out and algea growth might increase. BTW, my aquarium is 55 gal. also.
The bulbs are sold at walmart or petsmart in the neighborhood of $8.00 each.
Good luck.

Answer 4

If your using a "Regent Aqua-Tech Aquarium Tank" they sell a long florescent tube thats around 40 watts for their 20, 29 and 50gallon models, and uses 10watt lightbulbs(recomend using a 5watt compact floresent their 10watt quickly heats up the water) for their 10gallon models.