How Much Light??

O.K. I'm buying stuff now and my sights are on a pc light. there is a JBJ 48" model PL-JD2-42 for $150 including shipping. but it says it has two 65 watt 50/50 bulbs. Is this enough for my depth tank, 24"??? or do I need to look for a 4x65 light?? I heard it is approx, 4 watt per gallon which = 220 watt.

Secondly, should i be looking for the fixtures that have dual cords so I can independantly time them for sunrise/sunset, or does the 50/50 light suffice?? thanks.

 

I reality the ' watts per gallon ' equation is useless with a marine tank. The depth of the water should be the guiding factor as discussed in part in this article

http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/saltwater/greco_lighting.html

HTH

John

 

excellent article John, i appreciate the info. i will bookmark it for future reference and possible advice.

 

oh yeah, the article did not address the second question i had
Secondly, should i be looking for the fixtures that have dual cords so I can independantly time them for sunrise/sunset, or does the 50/50 light suffice?? thanks

can anyone help me out with this??

 

Not sure how the 50/50 acts as sunrise/sunset, can you explain?

To answer your question, it is nice to have separate cords so you can stagger on/off times and do sunset/sunrise, so yes, that is what I would look for too.

@JohnO - GREAT LINK! Although I prefer a higher kelvin than he recommends.

 

Thanks matt. I have my eyes on the JBJ Formosa DX JG-3, it is a 4x96 2 blue 2 white, 2 cords and a pretty cool hinge design that swings up and away from the top with out removal. triple fans, and ill add my own moonlights to it.
thanks again for the input.

 

No prob.
Formosa's are really, really nice PC fixtures.