Lighting Question

[kufan]

I got a question regarding lighting. I know they say 1 watt per gallon. My 29 gallon tank has some plants in it, and they seem like they don't have quite enough light on them, as they seem to be losing the green. A friend told me(very knowledgable fish pers) that I would need 2 watts per gallon, since I have quite a few plants in it (4 larger plants, i.e. brazilian sword, water onion). Does anyone know where I could either order or go buy a 24 inch-60 watt-T8 bulb for my tank?

Thanks,

KU

[Drumachine09]

I think the 1 watt per gallon you are thinking of is for heaters.

[Glasstapper]

the heater rule of thumb is 5 watts per gallon. For plants, it depends on the type of plant it is. Low light plants is generally considered 1 watt per gallon, medium light plants are usually around 2 watts per gallon, and higher light plants are around 3 watts per gallon. This is all "general", of course. Just like fish, plants can sometimes be exceptions to the rule.

As for finding another light for your hood, just try some google searching for plant lighting for aquariums. You should be able to come up with a bulb or at least a hood with a double light strip to equal what you're looking for.

Here's one site I found right away that has tons of options:
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[Chrona]

The standard wattage for a 24" regular T-12 fluorescent tube is 20 watts, so you can either try for a triple strip to get the desired 60 watts or go for a compact fluorescent bulb. Heres a good selection of lighting/bulbs

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