Lighting vs healthy fish?

[missileman]

I have been doing some reading on lighting and from what I have read it suggest that you need at least 1 watt or a bit more per gallon for fish to be really happy and healthy.
I have a new 75 gallon I am setting up. It came with a 40 watt flourecent single tube light. I don't plan on using live plants so will an upgrade on the light fixture really make any difference?
Thanks

 

[jonnythan]

I can't comment on whether the fish will be happy or healthy, but I do know that a 40 watt bulb over a 75 gallon tank looks a bit dim and dingy compared to how it would look with more wattage.

My brother had a 75-gallon tank with a dual 40 watt hood. When one of the bulbs burned out, it looked a lot less impressive.

Something like this will give you way more lumens for not much money:

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...7/cl0/coralifefwt5aqualightdoublestriplight48

 

[melosu58]

I believe more light brings out or enhances fish`s color but I dont believe their health depends on less light. You should be OK. JMO

 

[jsoong]

Goldfish are reputed to grow faster & be bigger & more colorful with high light (preferable outside in the sun). Whether that is due to the light or just better water conditions in a pond, I can't say.

I think you just need enough light for the fish to see. Other than that, I don't think it will make too much of a difference. <And some of the fish that normally live in dark (black) water might not be too happy in really bright light also.>