Proper photoperiod for my tank?

[raunch]

Hello

So I'm using two cfls each 5000k 13watt. Will eventually upgrade to 6500k each but having trouble locating them right now.

Anyway, I am growing wisteria, java fern, java moss, and duckweed in a standard 10 gallon tank.

What would be a good photo period for this tank? Right now I'm doing about 6-7 hours a day(at nights cause I work during the day). Tanks only been up for about 2 weeks. Is this a good lighting schedule?

Don't want too much light and then have dreaded algae problems but not enough light and my plants will suffaaaa.

Just lookin for input on what people do with similar plants and lighting.
Thanks!

[smokaah]

I would keep it as is and see how it goes.

[nokturnalkid]

I had 2 13w cfl's on a 10g about 5" off the top rim. Did fine growing mosses, ferns and crypts with no co2.

[pandamonium]

i have 4 13W 6500K CFL bulbs on my tank right now. i had trouble finding them too (a lot of home improvement stores near me sell warm light, 2700-3000K). Lowes sells a 6500K either 13W or 9W in packs of 2. i picked up mine for about $14 for 4 total.

[raunch]

Originally Posted by pandamonium

i have 4 13W 6500K CFL bulbs on my tank right now. i had trouble finding them too (a lot of home improvement stores near me sell warm light, 2700-3000K). Lowes sells a 6500K either 13W or 9W in packs of 2. i picked up mine for about $14 for 4 total.

Oh wow thanks! I'll have to go check out lowes and see if I can find them ha. I have definitely noticed new growth in the last couple days so I can see the 5000k bulbs working but it seems 6500k is the preferred temperature for plants.

I know this topic was kinda silly but I used to run my tanks for 8-10 hours and never had any luck. So this time I'm only running 6-7 hours and seems to be working better but wanted input from others using similar equipment.

Thanks!!

[pandamonium]

Originally Posted by raunch

Oh wow thanks! I'll have to go check out lowes and see if I can find them ha. I have definitely noticed new growth in the last couple days so I can see the 5000k bulbs working but it seems 6500k is the preferred temperature for plants.

I know this topic was kinda silly but I used to run my tanks for 8-10 hours and never had any luck. So this time I'm only running 6-7 hours and seems to be working better but wanted input from others using similar equipment.

Thanks!!

http://www.lowes.com/pd_302424-3-269...d=10151&rpp=24

i should have posted this as well. this is the link to the lightbulbs i hope you find them.

[Steve001]

Originally Posted by raunch

Oh wow thanks! I'll have to go check out lowes and see if I can find them ha. I have definitely noticed new growth in the last couple days so I can see the 5000k bulbs working but it seems 6500k is the preferred temperature for plants.

I know this topic was kinda silly but I used to run my tanks for 8-10 hours and never had any luck. So this time I'm only running 6-7 hours and seems to be working better but wanted input from others using similar equipment.

Thanks!!

There's no scientifically valid reason to chose 6500K. 6500k home lighting bulbs as the preferred source shouldn't be the goal because a manufacturer's only goal it to produce a light that benefits human perception. No regard is given for horticultural applications. A bulb may be deficient in the redder wavelengths. The only real way to determine if a light will do the job is to look at the PAR distribution of a particular bulb. However plants seem adaptable. 5500K is a good option too.

As for photo period always take your cues from nature. Most aquatic plants are tropica,l so the maximum light can be from 10-12 hours. There are some exceptions. Where I live the daylight period at maximum is just 4 minute shy of 15 hours. Plants adapted to that day length might benefit, but it's probably not necessary so the above photo period will work just as well.

[m8e]

I would say that it depends on how heavily planted it is, how big bioload you have in the tank and if you are adding any ferts.

[shrimpNewbie]

Bioload won't matter when considering photo period, I think 6-7 hours is too little I do 11 hours now a days around 13 I was getting algae and under 9 I was getting little to no growth