Planted Tank & Lighting

taiarain · 07-15-2006, 10:39 AM

Jay, you mentioned in another thread that the rules on light are different for a planted tank. Can I get you to elaborate on that here?

Taia

Jay · 07-15-2006, 11:29 AM

Quote:

you mentioned in another thread that the rules on light are different for a planted tank. Can I get you to elaborate on that here?

Sure!

But, it is a huge complex topic, I would rather respond to specific questions or point you to resources as needed.

I think in the other forum I was referring to light and the non-planted aquarium and its effect on fish.

One of the top three requirements for successful plant growth in an aquarium is sufficient light. From there on out it gets a little technical, but we can work through that. Example: the minimum Watts pre Gallon of light to be sucussful with most aquatic plants is 2 for a duration of 8 - 10 hours.

Jay

taiarain · 07-16-2006, 10:42 AM

Jay, you need to write a book on aquarium maintenance!

Taia

Fish Head · 07-17-2006, 05:53 AM

How long should lights in a tank remain on?
I know location of tank is a factor, mine is not in direct light but in a well lit area. I currently have lights on for 12.5 hours, I keep an eye on things like algae growth as I heard that if lights are on for too long it encourages it.
Is this true?

Jay · 07-17-2006, 07:40 AM

Quote:

How long should lights in a tank remain on?
I know location of tank is a factor, mine is not in direct light but in a well lit area. I currently have lights on for 12.5 hours

A non planted aquarium should have a definite photo period of light and dark for the health of the fish. Eight hours is plenty, and it can come from ambient room light or direct tank top light or both. More than that will definitely help out the algae.

The rules are a little different for a planted aquarium.

Jay

LadyViper · 07-17-2006, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taiarain

Jay, you need to write a book on aquarium maintenance!

Taia

I agree completely...lol Perhaps even a topic on common mistakes and misconceptions for those of us new to the fish keeping hobby.

Jay · 07-17-2006, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Jay, you need to write a book on aquarium maintenance!

LOL Thanks but pass, I spend enough time devoted to this hobby.

Wife!, What Wife? get my drift

Jay

Fish Head · 07-17-2006, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay

A non planted aquarium should have a definite photo period of light and dark for the health of the fish. Eight hours is plenty, and it can come from ambient room light or direct tank top light or both. More than that will definitely help out the algae.

The rules are a little different for a planted aquarium.

Jay

Thanks Jay,

Its a planted aquarium, and Im using direct tank top light for 12 hours.

Jay · 07-17-2006, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Its a planted aquarium, and I'm using direct tank top light for 12 hours.

Cool

What WPG are you using?

Perhaps best to continue (if necessary) in the planted tank area of this forum.

I am running (+- a bit) about 4 wpg (cfl) for 8 hours. I find that any more than that and I run into minor algae issues.

Jay

Fish Head · 07-17-2006, 09:02 PM

WPG?
Im going to have a guess and say WPG - is Watts per Globe?

If thats the case, its a single 4. Came with the JEBO380 tank - filter and light are part of the lid.