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View Full Version : Lighting: watts per gallon??


Kyleben
04/19/2011, 07:11 PM
I just stared a "20 gallon" nano reef. Its a 20 gallon tank but after LS and LR it really only holds less than 15 gallons. I have a 48 watt coralife t5 fixture. now the rule for clams and nems is 5 to 7 watts per gallon. my question is watts per gallon for actual tank volume or tank size 48 watts/20 gallons is 2.4 w/g but 48 watts/ 13 gallons is 3.4 gallons...i realize this isnt enough for a clam but its significantly more light....

SkullV
04/19/2011, 07:18 PM
Watts per gallon is an obsolete and inaccurate measure of light intensity. I'm assuming you have a 2x24w T5 with a single reflector (typical coralife). That is enough light for fish and very low light corals (softies and NPS).

Kyleben
04/19/2011, 10:29 PM
watts per gallon is like when people say one inch of fish per gallon...it really depends on tank shape length and depth....just a guideline thing i guess

SkullV
04/19/2011, 10:58 PM
watts per gallon is like when people say one inch of fish per gallon...it really depends on tank shape length and depth....just a guideline thing i guess

Exactly, that is why using it as a reference is completely worthless.

Kyleben
04/19/2011, 11:49 PM
im thinking about adding 2 led fixtures for a little more light, I think with that im going to try keeping my maxi mini in there, if that works i may try a clam....if it starts to fail i can always dump it in my 55 :) with a 250 watt MH and 150 PC i should be good hahaha