measuring light levels

[dan76]

hi does anyone know what low, medium and high light levels are in lux, lumens or candelas at gravel level?

 

[George Farmer]

Good question, I like challenge. You say “at gravel level” so it would depend on the distance from the light source to the gravel i.e. aquarium height. Obviously the higher the tank the less light will penetrate and reach the bottom. These figures are a guide using a good quality 36” 30W full-spectrum fluorescent T8 tube with reflector.

Height (cm) Lux

10 -------- 9600
20 -------- 4600
30 -------- 2650
40 -------- 1670
50 -------- 1120

Under 500 lux is Subdued – ideal for some Crypts, Java fern, Java moss, Anubias sp.

500 – 1000 lux is Moderate – Echinodorus, Sagittaria, Aponogeton sp.

1000 – 1500 lux is Bright – Hygrophila, Ludwigia, Bacopa, Egeria sp.

1500 + lux is Very Bright – Floating plants, Limnophila, Cabomba, Myriophyllum sp.

I hope this answered your question – I had to do a bit of research for this.

 

[dan76]

excellent , thanks heaps