Lighting Help

[JustinEverett]

Hey everyone, I just joined and this will be my frist post! I have a few quick questions.

I keep reading that I should have about 2-5 watts per gallon for my lighting, but I can only find 15watt bulbs that fit my tank (the bulb has to be 18"). So currently I only have about .5 watts per gallon and I think that is why my dwarf hairgrass is turning brown after just one day in the tank do you have any suggestions on what I can do to increase my wattage?

Thanks!

P.S.
I've had a tank for a while, but I just started planting it

 

[George9]

Hi, welcome to AA!

You're not going to find higher wattage bulbs that will fit your T8 fixture. If you wanted more wattage, id recommend upgrading to a T5 fixture or T5 HO. or, you could keep your current lighting setup and just grow lower light plants.

The watts per gallon rule really doesn't apply anymore, so I wouldn't go by it. This chart helped me a lot. It's from a user named Hoppy on another planted tank forum.

 

[George9]

Check out fishneedit.com for T5 HO. They're cheap, and decent fixtures.

 

[JustinEverett]

Thank you George! Hopefully my dwarf hair grass will start looking better soon :/