how much light ?

[swanandmokashi]

I am setting up mu 27 gallon tank which I bought from someone. It came with a light fixture and a tube saying its 17 Watts . the fixture says its rated for 17 Watts.

I am planning to have this as a planted tank. I am sure 17 Watts are not enough. How much light will I need. Also do I have to change just the light tube or the entire fixture ?

 

[Bearfan]

Figure a minimum of 2.5 to 3 wpg which would be 67W to 71W as a minimum. You will definately have to change the entire light fixture. 1x96W pc light would be a good choice, but finding a fixture to fit a 24" long tank may be a problem.

 

[marcus russo]

It really depends on the plants. You could do a low light setup but you would still need @ lest 1-1.5 wpg for most plants to do ok.
High light plants 3 wpg and up.

http://www.aquatic-store.com/index.html?target=dept_191.html&lang=en-us

 

[grimlock3000]

27g? How wide is that?

With a 24 inch wide tank, you would be well served with a 65w PC light. With a 36 inch wide tank, 96w is fine.

 

[swanandmokashi]

30"l x 12"w x 17"h

 

[grimlock3000]

http://www.ahsupply.com/index.html

I would get the 30 inch enclosure here and the 55w Bright Kit. It puts out a lot of light due to the reflector design. I have seen a few pics of tanks with AH kits and they look really bright for the wattage.

 

[chasgood]

My Eclipse37 gal is 312X22. has two 24" 18 watt bulbs. Seems fine for my low to moderate light plants.

 

[grimlock3000]

I had twin 15w bulbs before my PC light. Once you go PC, you never go back

 

[BrutusPleco]

new to aquarium lingo. My plants are not doing well. What are PC lights?

 

[marcus russo]

power compacts