Is 6 watts per Gallon too much light?

[Stray32]

I just bought a 3 Gal Pico and I found an 18w fixture that I want to add, however, I don't want too much light. I plan on making it a reef tank, so I will need plenty of light anyway.

Thoughts?

 

[abulgin]

A 3 gallon reef tank?

 

[Stray32]

Yeppers... 3 Gallon Picotope with LR and mostly softies probably. It's been done many times (check the Nano forum).

 

[nanojg]

not too much

 

[Alaskan Reefer]

What kind of 18W light? Might not be enough.

 

[reefscape15]

Thats what i was going to say. Not enough! I'd opt for some LED strips instead if your just keeping softies

 

[spsfreak]

Softies and\or LPS will be fine with that amount of light. Having said that, if you had two of those units it would be perfect. Some SPS will do OK, but I have not had any success with Acros under PC.

 

[Stray32]

Not sure if I can fit two of them on this little tank. I believe they make a 40w version though, perhaps that's the one I need.

 

[snorvich]

By the way, watts per gallon is a meaningless metric. Proper lighting depends on depth of tank and what you want to keep.

 

[jer77]

Castle Shannon, Cool. I'm in St. Clair right now on my computer. That's awesome.

I think I have the exact same light maybe. Is it a coralife? Ya I also think you'll need more light from either a stronger PC or LED.

 

[Stray32]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14744911#post14744911 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jer77
Castle Shannon, Cool. I'm in St. Clair right now on my computer. That's awesome.

I think I have the exact same light maybe. Is it a coralife? Ya I also think you'll need more light from either a stronger PC or LED.

Nice. Haven't see you at all in the Pittsburgh forum...there are a few guys that live in the South Hills that are on there all the time.

 

[Stray32]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14744873#post14744873 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snorvich
By the way, watts per gallon is a meaningless metric. Proper lighting depends on depth of tank and what you want to keep.

It seemed quite meaningless when I heard it actually, but I heard from a few sources that 3 watts/gallon is recommended.

There is a little 9 watt lamp over the tank now and it's not even close to enough light.

 

[EvMiBo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14744873#post14744873 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snorvich
By the way, watts per gallon is a meaningless metric. Proper lighting depends on depth of tank and what you want to keep.

+1.

18w may be ok, see how it works but I think you may need more.

DO NOT try SPS in here, I'd be really surprised if you succeeded in a 3g pico, to many problems come to mind. Stick to zoas, rics and some LPS if you'd like.