NPT Wattage

[Rinali]

I am pretty close to having everything I need to finally set up my 14g NPT. One thing I am not clear on is lighting. I understand the 6500K aka "daylight" but I can't find a consensus on wattage. Is 1-2 watts per gallon considered a low light tank? And 3-5 medium-high light? I want a low light tank since I'm obviously new to this whole thing, but I just want to make sure before I order my plants. Thanks :)

[callistra]

1-2 watt is low. 2-3 watts is medium. 3-4 high. If you don't have at least 2 watts per gallon you're going to see next to no growth in some plants and in most plants it won't be enough.

[Rinali]

Should I go a little higher then? At least 3 watts per gallon?

[MattsBettas]

Yes, at lest three.

[Nothingness]

another factor to keep in mind is how tall you tank is. If its taller then it will be a low light at 2wpg but if its a relativly short tank then more light get to the substrate and 2wpg could actually be a med light tank. WPG is a relative and outdated method of determining light levels but can give you a basic idea of where your at.

I am currently running 2 T8 48in 32w 6500k bulbs that sit 21in from the substrate and produce a medium level light in a 55g tank. Even though I am only about 1.25 wpg.