new tank light question

So i got a new tank 30x12x19 and i currently have a 20" PC coralife 96 watt 6700k light on my 10gal ya i know over kill for such a small tank lol but what i want to know is will this be sufficient for the new tank?
By the way the new tank will be dirtted as far as plant not to sure was thinking of dwarf hair grass or dwarf baby tears for the entire tank like i said im not to sure yet.
Thanks for the help in advance

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Comment by LED on October 9, 2012 at 2:15am: well heres some info. I know that coralife 96 watt fixtures are compact fluorescent bulbs. the typical light output for cfls are 65 although they can be higher. coralife doesnt give any specifications on how many lumens their light fixture puts out or the efficacy of their system is. So I assume the worst case scenario, 65 Lum/watt

given your tank dimensions you have a base of 30 X 12 inches = 360inches^2

with your lights you're at a possible minimum of 96watts x 65Lum/watt = 6240Lumens output

so now we're at finding what your lumen rating is 6240Lum / 360inch^2 = 17.333 Lumens/in^2

using Rex's guide of what would be acceptable ranges for different demanding plants that lands you at low to medium low light plants.

PLEASE REMEMBER this is ONLY an approximation based on hardly any information given about these lights. AND infact we shouldnt assume that this lights mechanics follow 65Lum/watt. That would mean your 20 inch 96watt light puts out the same light my 33 inch 96watt coralife light puts out and i believe they should be different and should follow the possible ratio 65Lumens/inch of fluorescent tube.

All in all, this light may be completely fine for your tank and youll just need co2 in the form of gas or liquid (DOC which contains co2 in the molecules). I'm sure you already know you need some sort of co2 supplimentation =)

if you have any questions ask away

Comment by luis on October 9, 2012 at 2:28am: Ya im already using diy co2 in my 10gal so this coralife light should be ok then i was worried that i would have to replace it because it didn't go across the entire tank but i guess i was wrong do you think i should switch to a t5 light instead?
By the way thanks for your advice

Comment by LED on October 9, 2012 at 2:30am: Well switching to a t5 or quality LED set up would be great. but if you are limited on funds your old fixture might work

Comment by luis on October 9, 2012 at 2:36am: What do you think is a reasonable price for a t5 for the 30" tank new or used oh and brand?
Sorry for all the questions but as you can tell im a lil new at planted tanks
Thanks

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