Wattage for large viv

AndyShores · #1 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 07:38 PM

hey guys, I'm building a 4'H x 4'L x 2'D viv, that will be divided, creating two 4x2x2 vivs. So I'm wondering what kind of wattage I'll need for each side to get good plant growth. Thanks for the help

Julio · #2 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 07:47 PM

i woudl go with 4 T5

AlexRible · #3 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 07:53 PM

With a viv that tall you might want to consider going with HID lighting to get dense plant growth at the bottom or You could use some high output fluorescent lighting I recently got a Sunleaves Pioneer IV Bloom and I am amazed with it Josh's Frogs - Sunleaves Pioneer IV Bloom - Terrarium Lighting

It also comes in 6 bulbs and 8 bulbs.

AndyShores · #4 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 08:07 PM

I suppose I should clarify what I meant. I understand the types of bulbs I'll need and all (but thanks for the info anyways) but I'm asking wattage-wise, as in numerical value of watts, I'll need. I'm most familiar with freshwater fish tanks, with x amount of watts per gallon, but just not sure how many watts will be needed for a viv this size.

AlexRible · #5 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 08:54 PM

As far as I know there is no fixed rule of watts per gallon for vivs unlike planted and reef aquariums. As long as you can keep your temperature down the more watts the better your plant growth will be. This question of min wattage for plant growth gets asked a lot and I have never seen it get answered before. Most likely because all plants have different light requirements.

cindre2000 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-08-2009, 02:59 AM

4-8 T5HO or 2x 150/175w metal halide or HPS.

RarePlantBroker · #7 (**permalink**) 01-08-2009, 04:42 AM

I'm finishing up my tall custom viv right now (5' high). I'm running 6x 26w t-8's (2x 5000k "daylight", 2x 6500k, 1x 6500k UV A/B, 1x 10,000k). I've had the tank planted for a month (frogs won't go in until the custom glass doors are finished...). I'm growing bromeliads and a couple of high-altitude cattleya's about 12" from the top, anthuriums, masdevallias, and some tradescentia's about 3' down, and episcias, begonias, and a couple of philodendrons at the bottom of the tank.

The 5000k lights are on 14 hours a day, the 6500k are on for 12 hours a day, and the uv and 10000 are on about 8 hours a day. (an expensive run towards creating sunrise/sunset.

I've had one of the cattleyas bloom about a month ago, I currently have a Phrag. bessae blooming about 3' below the lighting (and under the bromeliads).

I should have some doors in about two to three weeks, then it's time to post the construction thread!

AndyShores · #8 (**permalink**) 01-08-2009, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RarePlantBroker

I'm finishing up my tall custom viv right now (5' high). I'm running 6x 26w t-8's (2x 5000k "daylight", 2x 6500k, 1x 6500k UV A/B, 1x 10,000k). I've had the tank planted for a month (frogs won't go in until the custom glass doors are finished...). I'm growing bromeliads and a couple of high-altitude cattleya's about 12" from the top, anthuriums, masdevallias, and some tradescentia's about 3' down, and episcias, begonias, and a couple of philodendrons at the bottom of the tank.

The 5000k lights are on 14 hours a day, the 6500k are on for 12 hours a day, and the uv and 10000 are on about 8 hours a day. (an expensive run towards creating sunrise/sunset.

I've had one of the cattleyas bloom about a month ago, I currently have a Phrag. bessae blooming about 3' below the lighting (and under the bromeliads).

I should have some doors in about two to three weeks, then it's time to post the construction thread!

Could you PM me some pics of your lighting set up? Sounds well done