New Lighting fixture...

Just purchased this unit for my 40 gallon. Got the 36" Freshwater type. I was going to just light the fish and now thinking maybe some lower light plants? Could this unit support any?

Aquarium Lighting T5 Fluorescent Light Fixture: AquaticLife T5 HO Dual Lamp Light Fixtures

 

that's only 48w, not enough light imo.

ps-it will be fine for fish only tank, but don't plan on a lot of growth from macro algea.

 

I have exactly 48w (2x24 T5HO) on my 29H reef, and I'm getting great color and growth from my corals. However, the OP is referring to a low-light freshwater planted tank...

Yes, that would be sufficient. Freshwater plants grown under lower light also require less nutrients and CO2. You can refer to this thread for great info on low-light planted tanks.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/planted...anted-tank-new-pics-6-27-page-3-a-135840.html

 

You will most likely need to use pressurized CO2 with that light to prevent the tank from becoming an algae farm along with a strong fertilization and nutrient dosing program. You will be able to keep just about any aquatic plant.

 

The light is actually 72 watts not 48. Thanks for the article. Will have to try a few and see how it goes.