meadoughlark
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- Jun 1, 2018
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This is my first proper attempt at an aquascaped planted aquarium, which I've been researching and planning for a long time and finally set up and planted yesterday. I'm really happy with how it looks, some might say it's too densely planted but I wanted a wild, dense jungley look and I think I've come close to achieving that. My only issue so far is that I think I may have gone overboard with the lighting. I'm using this SUNSUN ADS-400C 18W LED light:
https://www.lazada.co.th/products/s...4m.searchlist.list.21.62d13cd1pVT3z3&search=1
The tank dimensions are L 20 W 10 H 16 inches, which is about 13 gallons. I assumed that because the light is made for a tank of this length, that it would provide a reasonable amount of light for its size. But when I first switched it on I was quite dazzled by it. If the house lights are off, it lights up not just the aquarium but a good part of the room as well, and casts a fluorescent flicker on the wall behind it which I find quite unattractive. Although it makes the plants look awesome, I'm quite light sensitive and felt a bit dizzy after looking at it for a while. Maybe I'm overreacting and I'll get used to it after a while, but I'm thinking if it makes me dizzy it will be uncomfortable for fish, despite the dense plant cover (I'm going to add neon tetras).
I've seen this SUNSUN ADE-300C 14W LED which might be more appropriate:
https://www.lazada.co.th/products/s...4m.searchlist.list.26.62d13cd1nt1jCQ&search=1
Will a 4W drop be a significant drop in brightness, but still provide enough light for the plants? If not, can you recommend a less intense light that I might be able to get hold of in Thailand? Or is my current light OK so I should see if I can get used to it?
Plants:
Bolbitis African fern
Microsorum narrow leaf
Cryptocoryne petchii
Hydrocotyle tripartita
Cryptocoryne parva
(All have low - medium light requirements unless I'm mistaken)