Insufficient lighting?

[ThrowedToad]

I have heard mixed stories of lighting in a tank. I have a 20w 50/50 bulb and a 20w actinic on my 29 gal, is this sufficient for coralline algae growth, and or other growth in my tank? I am thinking about buying a 65w satellite 1003.
SATELLITE™

 

[Tank2379]

3-5 watt per gallon should be enough for your tank...

 

[melosu58]

I would be more interested in what your calcium and alk and magneisium levels are for coralline. You might have enough light for coralline but not for corals.

 

[Ziggy953]

I agree with Mike. Coraline will grow in areas of shade in the aquarium and not grow directly under light. It all depends on your water chemistry.

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

I agree with ziggy AND melosu... lighting is enough for coralline, but that's not the entire picture.

 

[ThrowedToad]

thanks guys

 

[melosu58]

If you can post those three test results or if you dont have water test then go to your LFS and get him to measure Calcium, alkalinity and magnesium.

 

[ThrowedToad]

is alkalinity PH? My LFS told me to use baking soda to bump up the PH, which contains calcium.

 

[ccCapt]

Baking soda will raise your alkalinity, but will also slightly lower your pH. If you bake the baking soda, it becomes sodium carbonate and that will raise your alkalinity plus slightly raise your pH. Neither will affect calcium and neither contains calcium.

This is an article I consider a "must read".
A Simplified Guide to the Relationship Between Calcium, Alkalinity, Magnesium and pH

 

[ThrowedToad]

LFS isn't always right! How long do you bake the baking soda? I am trying to stay all natural with no chemicals. Will go to LFS on Monday to get accurate tests. All my home tests are good. Thanks again

 

[roka64]

What is your pH? Perfect pH is not always as good as stable pH.

 

[Ziggy953]

I agree!

 

[ccCapt]

How long do you bake the baking soda?

Bake it for about 1 hr at 350.

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System

 

[ThrowedToad]

PH is stable at 8.0. It goes up nor down with anything I do.

 

[Ziggy953]

PH of 8.0 is ok. As long as it isn't going up and down a lot. As Scott said stable PH is more important. My tank usually runs at 8.1 PH.