I have a low tech planted tank containing some java ferns, anubius and crypts. The lighting is very low, only 17 watts t8 on this 38 gallon tank. While I enjoy not having to deal with algae or trimming the plants are not as green as they could be. Actually they are turning brown. So I'm thinking of upgrading my lighting. Nothing drastic though, as I only want to maintain healthy plant life and not after vigerous growth of my low light plant choices. I'm looking at a t5 that is 24" and a single bulb for 24 watts. Although my tank is 36" is this a factor since it's not going along the entire length of the tank? The 36" version would give me more light than I'm after. I'm looking at t5's versus say a higher watt t8 because of efficiency and a t8 would require a double strip and wouldn't fit onto my integrated hood/cover. Would this be a good choice?
low tech planted lighting advice please
- Thread starter Louie13
- Start date
Tank depth, height light is from tank, and PAR readings are far more important. Watts really isn't at all. You didn't mention but the chart on this link should help you decide your requirements light wise and what will keep you in low:
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/105774-par-vs-distance-t5-t12-pc.html
Light length I would imagine would not matter if you aren't growing on the sides like you stated. Also, you made no mention of dosing, fertilizers, or anything.
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/105774-par-vs-distance-t5-t12-pc.html
Light length I would imagine would not matter if you aren't growing on the sides like you stated. Also, you made no mention of dosing, fertilizers, or anything.
Hi, thanks for the response. Tank height is 19" and I'll be mounting the light a couple of inches above the top of the tank, maybe right on it. I'll have to play around with it though. I'm new to planted tanks so I'm not up to speed on par and other terminology. My question I suppose is more of a general one. I'm happy with the layout, and content with the low light plants I'm keeping but think a little more light is in order. Basically would an upgrade from a 24" 17 watt t8, to a 24" 24 watt t5ho(hagen glo) be a worthwhile upgrade that should in theory help maintain my plants without excessive algae. I do realize that wpg isn't everything, and doesn't apply the same way to t5ho as it would to say t12's or even t8's though. But i'm asking more from a comparitive standpoint. I do dose with flourish excel daily. The only thing planted in the substrate(silica sand) is a couple of crypts. Everything else(java ferns, anubius) ofcourse is above the substrate level.