Lighting And Plants Help

814 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by srutinath, Jun 4, 2012

srutinath

Discussion Starter · #1 · May 31, 2012

Hey guys, I need your help. I'm getting a 20 gallon (30" x 12" x 12"). The problem is I am a busy man, and I have to stay out of home 2 weeks a month or more. The plants grow rapidly, especially I have horrible experiences with Java moss, Vallisneria etc. They grow very quickly and if not trimmed for two weeks, they occupy the whole tank! I have no other whom I rely to trim (My mom can feed and etc but trimming is not her cup of tea). So I've thought of getting some slow growing plants. I've chosen pellia and brazillian micro sword for foreground. Help me with slow growing plants for background, (foreground suggestions are also welcome). One of my friends told me that blue light helps to resist extra growth and it looks better. should I use blue light? If I do, what type of light and of what power? If I do not, which kind of lighting will be suitable? Also, if I use blue light, which fishes (and how many) could be kept? Thanks in advance.

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Higher Thinking

· Premium Member

Joined Mar 16, 2011

1,531 Posts

#5 · Jun 3, 2012

The lighting is the driving force behind your tank. If you want reduced growth, reduce the lighting. Use a couple T5 NO's instead of HO. I have a pair of 20" NO with no reflector sitting about 4 or 5 inches from the top of a 20 long and that gives me good light to grow swords, blyxa, moss, and vals.

What I have noticed is that adequate CO2 concentrations enable you to succeed with less lighting and thus less growth demands. You need to get less light and have a photo period of about 8 hours. You could probably be alright with 7.