[oldbonehead]

Will the standard Flourescent light bulb in an office qualify as low light or do I still need a dedicated light source for the tank? I have got some Needle Leaf Java, Anubias nana, Narrow leaf micro swords, some crypts and java moss. The tank is a ADA 60F.

 

[BBradbury]

Plants and Light Question

Hello old...

A flourescent bulb is fine, but you'll need one for growing aquatic plants. You need a 6500 K, 32 watt bulb. A T8 is preferable, but a T12, 40 watt will work if that's all you can get. These are available at the local hardware stores for just a few dollars. This will be enough light if you stick with low light plants. The ones on your list are fine. The Micro sword may require a little more light.

B

 

[oldbonehead]

Thanks, BB. I was trying to keep this tank a very low maintenance and low cost. I didn't want to have to do a trimming every couple of weeks.

 

[KrazyFish]

do you mean the flourescent light from the ceiling? Or an actual aquarium canopy light?

 

[oldbonehead]

do you mean the flourescent light from the ceiling? Or an actual aquarium canopy light?

Standard office lighting in the ceiling.

 

[WallaceGrover]

Standard office lighting in the ceiling.

I don't think you could grow any aquarium plants (literally not a single one) by ceiling lights...

 

[londonloco]

Is your desk by a window? I have a 2.5 gallon jar growing one anubius for almost 2 years now, in a sun room, with a skylight 20 feet above it and a wall of glass 5 feet behind it. It has gone from 3 leaves to over 15 leaves. You might get away with it if you have a window nearby and only plant anubius and java fern.