Hi all,
I have a 55 gallon freshwater aquarium thats moderately planted. Problem is that I have great trouble keeping plants alive (the fish are doing great)--the leaves start turning brown no matter how much fertilizer or iron supplements i add. I have 2 aquaglow 15 watt lights turned on in a 12 hour light cyle. I suspect that's not enough light since i heard its supposed to be 2 watts per gallon, so i need over a 100 watts of light? Since my aquarium hood (from an Allglass 55 gallon aquarium kit) can only handle these smaller tube lights, do i need to get another hood in order to keep these plans? thanks very much.
2007-07-11 10:18:12 · 7 answers · asked by stallion150nc 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
You might find Hagen Flora-Glo to be better. Keep in mind that after about 6-12 months, these bulbs have lost intensity and their exact color intensity has changed.
http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/product.cfm?CAT=1&SUBCAT=112&PROD_ID=01016140020101
2007-07-11 11:56:48 · answer #1 · answered by something_fishy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have mellow fish in the tank that dont jump then a hood isnt needed. You can get a light that has legs that attach to the top of the tank. I know coral life makes a compact PC light that is 136 watts which should be perfect for what you need. That model i believe is 24inches long which would leave you room for other lighting if you wanted.
2007-07-11 17:50:08 · answer #2 · answered by craig 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you'll need to get a different light fixture. I suggest T-5 HO (high output) they are very nice fixtures. You could do a CF (compact florescent) 2 watts per gallon will allow you to house some aquatic plants. Swords will need more than 2 watts per gallon. Learn more about what plants you want to keep and how much light they need. Furthermore, you may want to try a substrate for plants like Seachem Flourite, Eco-complete.
2007-07-11 17:32:47 · answer #3 · answered by Ryan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your lighting does need to be a bit stronger, but you don't need all those fertilizers. One will be good if you add some once a week. All the chemicals could cause a chemical imbalance in the water which could be catastrophic. See if you can get a LITTLE bit of natural light and you should be okay.
Make sure your plants are true aquatic plants. Many pet stores sell plants like Mondo Grass and Bamboo (land plants) that dies when submerged in water. They do this because when it dies, they can say you did something wrong (they will get you to buy more). Research your plants before buying them to make sure you have a real aquatic plant. If you have the names of your plants, email them to me at nosoop4u@cox.net and I will try to sort it out. Good luck!
Nosoop4u
2007-07-11 17:34:56 · answer #4 · answered by nosoop4u246 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would need to change your light to a much higher wattage (at the very least you should have 2 x 30 watts).
2007-07-11 19:53:54 · answer #5 · answered by aquamac 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hello,
check this website http://www.algone.com/plant_health.php
your problem could be excessive phosphates below are some of the symptoms and the cause.
Symptoms Cause
Old leaves turn yellowish/ red
Nitrogen deficiency
Old leaves turn yellowish/ red
----------
Leaf loss and small dead areas
Phosphate deficiency
Black/ brown leaves, plants die
Excess phosphates
Yellow spots on old leaves and yellowish margins on younger leaves
Potassium deficiency
hope you figure out what is wrong....rick
2007-07-11 17:28:37 · answer #6 · answered by wally 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We use compact flourescents, check your local Home Depot or hardware store-they should work great for you!
2007-07-11 22:34:24 · answer #7 · answered by Bluebear 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋