Oilpatch Posted January 26, 2008 Report Share Posted January 26, 2008 My 33gal planted us just under way and I was wondering what kind of lighting (fluorescent, actinic etc..) and how much would be required for some common types of plants (swords, hygrophelia etc). I am using my old coralife 36" that has both the fluorescent and actinic but they are quite old and need replacing. Should I use just fluorescent or stick with the origional types? Both are 96W, the fluorescent is 10,000k. I have fluorite for a substrate (how deep is good enough?). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
werner Posted January 26, 2008 Report Share Posted January 26, 2008 (edited) Everything you want to know about lighting for planted tanks: Beginner Basics The Tropica site lists many species of plants and their light requirements. A substrate of about 2-3" deep should give most plants enough room for good roots. Edited January 26, 2008 by werner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted January 26, 2008 Report Share Posted January 26, 2008 You really just need one of those bulbs. At 3 wpg of compact flourescent, you've got excellent lighting. You'll need to add a carbon source, otherwise, you'll be having a lot of algae issues. You'll also need to fertilize - both macro and micro nutrients. Beware that most aquatic fertilizers only give you micronutrients - a sure recipe for algae. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oilpatch Posted January 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2008 Excellent, thanks for the link, I will be sure to check it out! 2-3 inches is what I thought just wanted some confirmation for the roots. Everything you want to know about lighting for planted tanks: Beginner BasicsThe Tropica site lists many species of plants and their light requirements. A substrate of about 2-3" deep should give most plants enough room for good roots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oilpatch Posted January 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2008 Great, cheaper for me! macro...mental note! Thanks You really just need one of those bulbs. At 3 wpg of compact flourescent, you've got excellent lighting. You'll need to add a carbon source, otherwise, you'll be having a lot of algae issues. You'll also need to fertilize - both macro and micro nutrients. Beware that most aquatic fertilizers only give you micronutrients - a sure recipe for algae. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corrosionjerry Posted January 26, 2008 Report Share Posted January 26, 2008 Is it not true that in a planted tank that has a fish population in it does not need macro fertilizers as the fish mulm provides the macro nutrients? Micro nutients however are a different matter.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
werner Posted January 26, 2008 Report Share Posted January 26, 2008 Is it not true that in a planted tank that has a fish population in it does not need macro fertilizers as the fish mulm provides the macro nutrients? It depends on the growth rate of the plants. In a higher light tank with CO2 addition, you will need to add macros. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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