How long to keep the light on...

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Dezel98

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 9, 2005
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New Jersey
Just started a planted tank (about a month ago) still adding plants, not really sure which ones but I know I have 3 african swords in there. How much light should I give the tank on a daily basis?

I have a 72 gal tank, about 1-1 1/2 in gravel, PH 7.4- 8.3, no CO2, using a peat fertilizer in filter (fluval 404), 2 large air stones, water temp 82F.
 
for a regularly planted tank, average recommended light is 10 to 12 hours, depending on algae growth, personal preferences, etc. (ex: since your water is fairly warm, you might not want it on 12 hours becase of algae...) flourescent lights should be replaced every 6 months or so just because of cathode decay, which will decrease the intensity of the light, but plants should generally do okay with that barely noticeable decrease in light. if you're using plant lights, you don't need to leave it on as long because the plants are getting all the energy that they need already.
 
Hey, thanks for the help, my light source is an AquaGlo, 40W, 18,000K. Says on the box that its ideal for planted tanks. Just bought it last week, but I will keep the info you gave me in mind. What I actually want is for the plants to grow in as much as possible...
 
Howdy,

I leave my lights on for 7 h, break for 2, then another 7. The 2 h dark phase ia a matter of believe. Some say it reduces algae growth since algae need a longer continuous light period. Works for me. It's kinda like the shade of a tree moving over your tank as a result of the course of the sun.

18,000 K sounds a bit high - sounds marine to me. I have 6700 K ...

HarleyK



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HarleyK said:
Howdy,

I leave my lights on for 7 h, break for 2, then another 7. The 2 h dark phase ia a matter of believe. Some say it reduces algae growth since algae need a longer continuous light period. Works for me. It's kinda like the shade of a tree moving over your tank as a result of the course of the sun.

18,000 K sounds a bit high - sounds marine to me. I have 6700 K ...

HarleyK



.
Click to expand...

never heard that trick before. interesting
 
bermuda said:
yeah, interesting. have you noticed any difference with this shadow time?
Click to expand...

Works for me. I've been using that method ever since I read about it in the Mergus Aquarium Atlas (German edition, I don't know if it's also stated in the Engl Ed. - I'd have to check), i.e. for the past 15 years or so.

The only time I had serious algae problems in all those years was thread algae when I ran my CO2 system with Dupla fertilization.

Although many tanks run just fine with continuous lighting, I keep using the Shadow Method since I believe in it, it works for me, and I have not observed any negative impact on fish or plants.

HarleyK




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I've never tried the "siesta" break during the day, but several have and stick with it. I generally go for the 12 hour constant daylight. I have been very happy with AH Supply's CF light kits. I build canopy's for all my setups to house them and it's great to have the versatility and the power of CF lights. I use 6700K and occasionally mix them with 5500K bulbs. The bulbs last for at least a year without severe spectrum shifts. Over a 72 gal tank, I'd maybe rig up a simple hanging canopy fixure and place a 2x55w CF kit in it. Without CO2 you don't want more than that over it.
 
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