Emersed HC - Such thing as too much light?

Vox · 06-10-2012, 06:48 AM

I am growing HC emersed. I have an Aquaticlife 6 x54w T5 HO unit. I am currently using 4 lights for 12 hours. Should I be using all six? or should I only use 2? Should the photo period be longer or shorter? Would love some suggestions.

Vox · 06-10-2012, 08:32 AM

The tank is 48" L x 18" W x 24 H The light is approx 24" from the substrate. I am using 6700k and 3 colormax bulbs. The tank is covered with plastic wrap on top to keep moist. Soil is Eco-complete.

Runkle · 06-10-2012, 02:55 PM

How big is the tank? depending on the size (especially height) 4 is likely more than enough. You will also probably need co2 system. For more info You probably should hit up "hoppy". He is the lighting guru.

**Hoppy** · 06-10-2012, 04:43 PM

Do some research on HC (Hemianthus callitrichoides Cuba) to see where it grows in nature - full sun, partial shade, or full shade. Full sun would be around 2000 micromols of PAR, more that you would get with your T5 light. Full shade is a lot less, although I don't recall the number. That should guide you as to the best amount of light to use. (Six T5HO bulbs a foot above the plants would be around 1000-1500 micromols of PAR)

06-10-2012, 06:48 AM	#1
Vox Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 18	Emersed HC - Such thing as too much light? I am growing HC emersed. I have an Aquaticlife 6 x54w T5 HO unit. I am currently using 4 lights for 12 hours. Should I be using all six? or should I only use 2? Should the photo period be longer or shorter? Would love some suggestions. __________________ Fluval Pimp #33

06-10-2012, 08:32 AM	#2
Vox Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 18	The tank is 48" L x 18" W x 24 H The light is approx 24" from the substrate. I am using 6700k and 3 colormax bulbs. The tank is covered with plastic wrap on top to keep moist. Soil is Eco-complete. __________________ Fluval Pimp #33

06-10-2012, 04:43 PM	#4
Hoppy Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (54/100%) Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 17,218	Do some research on HC (Hemianthus callitrichoides Cuba) to see where it grows in nature - full sun, partial shade, or full shade. Full sun would be around 2000 micromols of PAR, more that you would get with your T5 light. Full shade is a lot less, although I don't recall the number. That should guide you as to the best amount of light to use. (Six T5HO bulbs a foot above the plants would be around 1000-1500 micromols of PAR) __________________ Hoppy

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06-10-2012, 02:55 PM	#3
Runkle Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 4	How big is the tank? depending on the size (especially height) 4 is likely more than enough. You will also probably need co2 system. For more info You probably should hit up "hoppy". He is the lighting guru.