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i have a 40gal tank quite well planted (more bunches then ground coverage) mainly vallis and amazon with 1x45w & 1x45w nature tubes (t5) so if i add reflectors i will have 4.6wpg will this be to much light?

thanks

papasan ><(((o> ><(((o>
><(((o> ><(((o>

Hi,
I'm not sure I'm reading this correctly. If I am you are
saying that you have two bulbs.
One, 45 watt,(something) and one, 45 watt,
"Nature" (whatever the heck that is) bulb.

Total the wattage (45+45=90 watts) and divide the total by
the capacity of the tank (90/40= 2.25 watts per gallon).

2 watts per gallon is sufficient for just about all the
low light demand plants, and many of the medium light
demand plants.

You would be better off if you knew the Kelvin Rating
of the two bulbs, that way we'd know the spectrum of
them and if they are even appropriate for a freshwater
tank.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

also you may want to say how deep the tank is, how long your running the lights for.

Djrichie
"So Long, and Thanks For All The Fish" Douglas Adams

sorry, i will make my self clear the two tubes are t5 highlights and came fitted with my juwel tank one is a 45w daylight and the other is a 45w natural? (they are made in germany)so your caculation is correct but if i fit reflectors will this not make a 45w into a 90w ie 2x90=180 divided by 40= 4.5wpg also the tank is 18" deep
the reflector info i got from my lfs hope this clears up my first question

thanks papasan ><(((O>

The normal calculations assume that you have reflectors directing all light from whatever bulbs you have into the tank. So Frank is right. It's still only 2,25 WPG.

><>

thanks for your reply sl your info is the opposite of the advice i got from one of my lfs,now i understand the ethics behind lighting

thanks again

papasan ><(((O>