what is low light?

[bigfish93]

I am kind of confused about all this lighting. I have a 55 gallon tank and I was wondering what is considered low lighting for a tank this size? Is it measured in watts?

 

[mgamer20o0]

often its done in WPG. 1-1.5 wpg low 2-3 med 3+ high but it was made up for florescent bulbs which now many people use power compacts which give out more light using less watts. plus we are now using better and better reflectors. its prob not the answer you want but really it depends. 2 bulb shop light over that 55 should be able to grow some low light stuff like crypts anubias java ferns.

 

[bigfish93]

thanks mgamer. so I guess it's just a little guessing and some trial and error

 

[mgamer20o0]

yea some what. though if you tell people here what your goals is we should be able to figure something out.

 

[bigfish93]

I want to start a tropical fish tank with jungle vals. I did some research on them and it says that they are very easy to keep and are low light plants.

 

[mgamer20o0]

closer on the medium light but you could try shop lights. another idea is getting some t5 set up like this.

T5-ho 4ft / 2LAMP Aquarium lighting