What level of lighting do I have?

[cjldad]

I have two fixtures.. One is a Coralife T5NO 2x28 (single reflector for both bulbs), other is a Current Nova ExtremeT5HO 2x54 (individual reflector for each bulb)... Each of them are currently running one 10k and one actinic bulb because that's the way they came..

I know T5 and individual reflectors change things as far as adding up the WPG..

What lighting level am I running now?

If I were to change out the actinics for 6700k what lighting level would I be at?

This is on a standard 75g tank...

Thanks for your help!!

 

[BigJim]

With the actinics, you're just over 1 wpg. This is considered low light, especially with the 10K bulbs. Change the actinics and you'll be at 2 wpg. This is low to med. light.

You'll probably be ok with med. light plants at 2 wpg with T5HO lights.

 

[mfdrookie516]

i would swap out the actinics with some 6700k bulbs... the 10,000k will keep the bright look, and the plants will have much more usable light

 

[mgamer20o0]

what do you want to grow in this tank?

 

[cjldad]

Umm, I really don't know.. I don't want to go with Co2.. So something on the lower light side would be good I assume.. I have some Java Fern in there now.. (Will Java Fern Pearl?)

I like the anacharis look as well..

Mainly something that is low maintenance that will help with my tank eco system... I am using play sand if that matters to anyone..

 

[mgamer20o0]

i would change take the actinic bulb out of the 54x2 fixture. i would try just that fixture over the tank and see if you are getting the effect you want. i have several 4 foot tanks with 2x54w ho and i am able to grow low and some medium light plants with the lights on 8 hours a day.

any plant can pearl some are harder then others.