I have a 38 gallon tank and i tryed to add live plants to the tank i found out that my normal 20w canopy light would not be strong and i would need at least 2w per gallon. but at the fish store they sell 20w 11000k t6 light bulbs would they do just as good or do i need to replace the hole canopy and light?
2007-01-27 05:53:54 · 5 answers · asked by toker 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
I have the same problem as you.
It really depends on what kind of plants you put in. In my tank, i have low light plants like java moss, java fern, wisteria and anubias. You can figure out which plants are low light plants on some aquarium plant websites.
If you really want to go by the general rule of 2wpg, you can either add another fluorescent fixture or you can go online and buy an all new replacement light fixture such as a compact fluorescent(there are some that are less than 100 bucks that are less than 3ft) or metal halide ($$$$$).
2007-01-27 06:41:05 · answer #1 · answered by flipnotik 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would replace the hood with one that will hold 4 bulbs. Most plants requre a braod spectrum of light to do well and often come from shallow water in nature. This means you need a high quality of light and enough of it. You want to use bulds that don't produce too much red spectrum light as the red is not used well by plants but is perfect for many algae. I would suggest finding a shop that has a nice planted tank, then go back in two weeks, planted tank still there and looking good? Then someone there probaly knows enough about planted tanks to help you make good choices.
BTW, the java moss and anubias suggestion is a good one, those are great plants and don't require the same level of light that many others do.
Added thought, be sure you are buying true aquatic plants. Many of the bunch plants sold in chain stores are really bog plants or even common house plants and will die quickly from just being under water.
2007-01-27 07:47:26 · answer #2 · answered by magicman116 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
start with low light low maintenance plants and if you feel the need work your way up. they are kind of expensive to experiment with. once you are comfortable with the easier ones like java fern java moss anubais etc move up a notch. i like anubias a lot and there are a dozen varieties to chose from -- they look more like houseplants than than underwater plants. java moss is unbeatable at removing toxins and adding oxygen to your water.
2007-01-27 07:24:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
make shure you are leaving the light on for at least 12 hours a day
2007-01-27 09:21:17 · answer #4 · answered by nitrorcguy14 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yup, get a new hood that will allow 3-4 or more flouresent bulbs. Or you can build one if you're handy.
2007-01-27 06:33:14 · answer #5 · answered by professorminh 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋