Ok, so I have been reading up a bit on what plants need as I am slowly converting my tank to contain all live plants. One thing that has me confused is that people say there should be 2-3 watts per gallon, my tank's hood only supports one 18'' bulb, and I can not find any bulb in 18'' higher than 15 watts! The difference between the generic bulb that I bought at a department store and the pet shop ones is what is referred to as the color temperature. My normal bulb is 4100K (I guess that is Kelvin? or Kilosomething... not too sure) while some specialty pet shop bulbs boast upwards of 10,000K. What does this mean and does it make a difference? Is the only way to get more wattage per gallon to switch to a hood that allows for multiple lights... Or should I quit worrying because my bulb I have now is just fine???
Lighting In A Planted Aquarium
- Thread starter Chuka1212
- Start date
You cannot usually up the wattage in a hood without changing the ballast/starter unit for the tank and/or adding additional light tubes.
The kelvin rating is not related to the wattage, but I am not sure on a decent description.
Changing to a better bulb at your wattage will be a good idea, something around the 6500k rating is suggested as a good choice.
You will be able to grow plants, but you may be limited to lower light ones, choose the right plants for your light and you will be able to do well.
The kelvin rating is not related to the wattage, but I am not sure on a decent description.
Changing to a better bulb at your wattage will be a good idea, something around the 6500k rating is suggested as a good choice.
You will be able to grow plants, but you may be limited to lower light ones, choose the right plants for your light and you will be able to do well.
piper
Fishaholic
The kelvin rating gives the colour of the light emitted from the lamp.
High Temp = Blue
Low Temp = Red
You will not be able to add higher wattage lamps to you existing connections (called ballast). As the ballast will ony be rated for lamps 13-15W (ish). The lenght and other things determines the wattage of the lamp.
You have to add another ballast + lamp to get more wattage
High Temp = Blue
Low Temp = Red
You will not be able to add higher wattage lamps to you existing connections (called ballast). As the ballast will ony be rated for lamps 13-15W (ish). The lenght and other things determines the wattage of the lamp.
You have to add another ballast + lamp to get more wattage
jspence1
New Member
I wouldn't worry too much about adding lighting if your just starting out. If you choose your plants carefully you should be able to grow some great looking plants. I had 0.7 WPG on my planted tank until recently and my plants grew great! I'd recommend changing your bulb if you have the money to something like a lifeglo2 or something similar that is intended for growing plants (Most sources recommend a bulb of 6500-6700K for plants). I wouldn't be too quick to upgrade your lighting I changed mine 3 weeks ago went from 18W on a 29G tank with plants growing nicely no algae easy to maintain.....Now I have 130W of lighting with dying plants, algae up the wazoo and more maintenance. Unless you really want to grow some high light plants I'd stick with the lights you have and pick some low light plants. Your tank will look amazing in no time!
Good luck
John
Good luck
John
BHornsey
Fish Fanatic
This is a common problem among newcomers to planted tanks, too much light. It's not been that long since I made the same mistake. 
To grow, plants need nutrients, carbon and light but it's light that drives the processes.
With minimal light, the plants can make do with a lean supply of nutrients (usually what comes from fish waste) and low CO2. Some plants can even convert it from the carbonate in the water.
Once light increases, the processes get driven harder and if the plants find themselves limited then that's when the problems begin. Usually it's algae that responds.
So if things are doing fine under a 15w, why make yourself trouble.
If you want to see some improvement, add CO2, and maybe look at some of the fertilising routines before thinking of adding more light. Even then, 2 wpg would be enough to grow anything you want. It just grows a little slower.
OK, somebody take away my soapbox now
To grow, plants need nutrients, carbon and light but it's light that drives the processes.
With minimal light, the plants can make do with a lean supply of nutrients (usually what comes from fish waste) and low CO2. Some plants can even convert it from the carbonate in the water.
Once light increases, the processes get driven harder and if the plants find themselves limited then that's when the problems begin. Usually it's algae that responds.
So if things are doing fine under a 15w, why make yourself trouble.
If you want to see some improvement, add CO2, and maybe look at some of the fertilising routines before thinking of adding more light. Even then, 2 wpg would be enough to grow anything you want. It just grows a little slower.
OK, somebody take away my soapbox now
Thanks for the awesome advice guys, it really helps. So do you all think that my Amazon Sword, Aponogeton hybrids, A plant that I am not sure what it is but I think it is myrio species (based on internet pics) and my ludwigia will all do fine with a mere 15 watts as long as I up the K's?
Dave Spencer
Gort! Klaatu barada nikto.
With that kind of a change, and to such a huge amount of light, I can`t say I am at all surprised.
Dave.
Go for a decent tube with ~6000-6500k and you will be fine. I would steer away from the higher K ratings personally but it is your choice!
jspence1
New Member
The 130W is kinda deceptive I'm only running one 65w tube all day the other is on for 2.5 hours midday. I was prepared for some "growing pains" associated with the lighting upgrade. The biggest problem I have right now is getting some nitrate in the water.....sounds strange but true.
John
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