is this enough lighting?

[Prometheus]

iv got two 6700K 30" T5 HO bulbs for my 29 gallon. iv got an amazon sword, anubious, java fern and java moss. im mostly worried about the sword getting the proper lighting. iv got a spare powerglow that i can switch out a 6700 for, or i could go buy a 10,000 if yall think that would be better. watchyathink?

 

[jcardona1]

That's too much lighting, way too much. In a few weeks you'll be growing more algae than plants.

 

[Prometheus]

lol okay, what should i cut it back to? and thank you, that explains why iv had so much algae in the past few months (i just switched out my bulbs, iv been using a second light fixture with a combination of two 10000Ks, a power glow, and a 6700K -four bulbs-... iv been getting tired of all the algae everywhere) so... what's ideal? iv got good fixtures, i guess i just need to switch out which bulbs i use.

 

[EntoCraig]

I have the exact lighting over one of my PTs. The key to its success with be at least 30ppm (or more) of Co2 in the water. LEGIT CO2. None of that Flourish Exel Stuff. One of those t5's should be sufficient so you can shut the other off and use it as a backup if you don't want to crank the Co2. But even with one you are going to need a carbon source. You could do the Excel route with the one light.

 

[Prometheus]

just so i understand you correctly, are saying that i can physically take one of those bulbs out and leave the empty sockets while still operating the fixture? in other words, im worried about just leaving those sockets empty with the fixture running, it wolnt burn it out or anything will it? (you and i both know how expensive these fixtures sell for on average, replacing one might be easier said than done for some people *ahem* *cough* "poor-college-student" )

 

[EntoCraig]

just so i understand you correctly, are saying that i can physically take one of those bulbs out and leave the empty sockets while still operating the fixture? in other words, im worried about just leaving those sockets empty with the fixture running, it wolnt burn it out or anything will it? (you and i both know how expensive these fixtures sell for on average, replacing one might be easier said than done for some people *ahem* *cough* "poor-college-student" )

Its no different then taking the light out of a socket in your house

The issue is though that the light might be all on the same wiring inside, you may have to have both or none :/ if its new you could just take it back and get a single instead.

I built mine with the parts from one for a custom hood and mine are are two completely separate circuit for better control. Mine has a switch for each t5.

 

[Prometheus]

I built mine with the parts from one for a custom hood and mine are are two completely separate circuit for better control. Mine has a switch for each t5.

that's pretty cool
it's not new so i cant return it.
i really cant afford to replace a fixture right now so id rather not experiment and see how it behaves with only one bulb running. i suppose i could replace one with a bulb that doesnt have the proper spectrum to help algae growth. is there such a thing? would just a regular house bulb from lowes or homedepot work? or would even one of those help algae?

 

[Pyramid_Party]

A T5NO (normal output) fixture with dual bulbs would be better. Or you can try 3-4 T8 bulbs. With what you got only 1 of those bulbs is all you need. It's too bad your fixture does not have a separate switch for each bulb. Perhaps you can sell it and get a T5 NO fixture. I got a coralife dual T5NO for around $50 something bucks new and bulbs were included too.

 

[EntoCraig]

that's pretty cool
it's not new so i cant return it.
i really cant afford to replace a fixture right now so id rather not experiment and see how it behaves with only one bulb running. i suppose i could replace one with a bulb that doesnt have the proper spectrum to help algae growth. is there such a thing? would just a regular house bulb from lowes or homedepot work? or would even one of those help algae?

I promise, leaving one bulb out will not harm it in any way. If you can run just the one bulb, you will have much better success with your planted tank.

You can use any bulb as long as you understand the wavelengths its throwing out. My personal favorits are FULL SPECTRUM, Sunlight bulbs. You can also add accent bulbs with lower output that spike in green or red for enhanced colors. Flora Glow Lights are also good, but are a little dim IMO.

 

[Prometheus]

huh, ill have to take another look at lighting. i did research on all that stuff years ago and settled into a setup that i thought was appropriate but iv forgotten most all of it by now.