Is my lighting adequate?

796 Views 2 Replies 2 Participants Last post by dannyp, Jul 15, 2012

dannyp

Discussion Starter · Jul 15, 2012

Hi, I have just set up a new 35litre planted tank, however I am unsure as to how much light is enough for my setup, most of my plants I think are fine but I have Eleocharis SP Mini as a carpet plant and I am aware that this plants needs good lighting. The lighting I am using is a Boyu T8 Luminaire with 2x 8w Arcadia Freshwater Bulbs and 1 x 8w Arcadia Original Tropical Bulb.

My plants are:
Eleocharis SP Mini
Alternanthera rosaefolia mini
Cryptocoryne nevellii
Staurogyne rubescens
Staurogyne repens
Anubias Bonsai
Microsorium mini

I would be very greatful for any advice.

Thanks
Dan

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Wasserpest

· #2 · Jul 15, 2012

Hard to say Dan. In theory, 24W total should provide plenty of light. However, 8W bulbs don't have much "punch", say compared to a single 24W bulb. I don't know about the reflectors in those fixtures, that plays a big role too, determining how much of the emitted light finds its way down to the plants.

So, maybe, maybe not. You also have to consider the nutrient demand of your plants, incl CO2. Light is only half of the equation.

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dannyp

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jul 15, 2012

Wasserpest said:
Hard to say Dan. In theory, 24W total should provide plenty of light. However, 8W bulbs don't have much "punch", say compared to a single 24W bulb. I don't know about the reflectors in those fixtures, that plays a big role too, determining how much of the emitted light finds its way down to the plants.

So, maybe, maybe not. You also have to consider the nutrient demand of your plants, incl CO2. Light is only half of the equation.

The reflector is pretty good, its a curved mirrored effect. As regards to CO2 and ferts I am injecting CO2 via a TMC Expert Set and I will be dosing JBL Ferropol weekly and JBL Ferropol 24 daily.

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