10 Watt 10,000 K plant question

[BettasRFriends]

I decided to redecorate the 5 gallon hex for my male betta. I then bought a Coralife 10 watt 10,000k that was designed for plant and coral (only one I could find). What plant could I keep in here that would thrive from the light? I was thinking of chain sword, java fern, and java moss. Any other plant that wouldn't mind the light?

 

[George Farmer]

You may have trouble growing chain sword with that light. How deep is your hex? Java fern and moss should do fine though. Anubias species should grow well - attached to rock or wood, don't bury the rhizome.

 

[Lateral Line]

10,000K is really too high for plants, you really want a full spectrum 5000 - 6700K. Hex tanks are notoriously difficult to light.

I'd agree with GF's plant suggestions. Chain Sword will get long and straggly in poor light, if it survives at all.

 

[BettasRFriends]

Im assuming how deep my tank = the height. So, the height of the 5 gallon in total is 12 inches (1 feet) with gravel. A stupid question - what is rhizome? Also, the lightbulb is: 50/50™ is perfect for fresh and saltwater aquariums (50% 10,000K Daylight and 50% Actinic 03 blue)

 

[George Farmer]

I did mean height - sorry. Hexes are normally relatively high for their volume - thus harder to illuminate effectively. I'd recommend a reflector for maximum intensity,

A rhizome is the part of the plant where new growth appears, normally just above the roots. Anubias need to have it exposed to open water otherwise the plant may rot.

50:50 is far from "perfect" for freshwater. The Actinic content will do very little for plant growth and will more likely grow algae. 100% daylight is nearer to perfect.

 

[BettasRFriends]

I've seen people put aluminum foil paper as a reflector. Would that work because the reflector that I had got sorta damage from the previous incandescent bulb.

 

[Lateral Line]

Actinic lamps really have no place in freshwater aquariums. The lamp you describe is, as you've already been advised, very far from perfect for plants. I suspect...

50/50™ is perfect for fresh and saltwater aquariums (50% 10,000K Daylight and 50% Actinic 03 blue)

... is the product of a marketting department, not a considered view. The light that falls from a clear sky onto open water water, (i.e. marine), has a very different quality then the light that falls through the canopy of a rainforest or similar creek environment where most freshwater plants are found in nature. Sounds like they are trying for a one size fits all - doesn't work like that.

Anything that will cause more of your lamps output to be directed down will help, a coat of white paint, foil, mylar film.