So here is the "backstory". Like most planted tank n00bs...I assumed that since they offer the correct light spectrum for standard fixtures, that those fixtures would provide enough light. Obviously that is wrong (at .67 w/g in my 30g, and .6 in my 25g). I have some plants that are doing better then expected at that low level, but obviously not ideal and I want to add more plants.
I have since ordered a 24" power compact 65w fixture, but I want to make sure I am "talented" enough to keep 2 planted tanks happy before I was the $ on a second fixture. So I was thinking...What if I was to leave the 65w fixture on one tank while at work (9.5 hours or so including drive time), then move it to the other tank for the 6 or 7 hours from when I get home until I go to bed.
So basically, 1 tank would have 9.5 hours of 2.17 w/g and 6.5 hours of .67 w/g, and the other tank would have 9.5 hours of .6 w/g and 6.5 hours of 2.6 w/g. Would that be enough light to keep most plants happy?
My other idea would be to use both normal fixtures on the 30 gallon (since it has a glass hood), and just the power compact on the 25 gallon (25g will be the Invert tank, and 30g is a "semi-agressive" community tank). That would give me 1.16 w/g in my 30g, and 2.6 w/g in my 25g.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated since none of the Fish stores in Denver seem to know anything about live plants. Thanks.
Also, I know that there is more too it then just the lighting...but I am pretty sure I have the CO2 and Nutrients figured out...so I am just looking for light advice at this time. Thanks again.
I have since ordered a 24" power compact 65w fixture, but I want to make sure I am "talented" enough to keep 2 planted tanks happy before I was the $ on a second fixture. So I was thinking...What if I was to leave the 65w fixture on one tank while at work (9.5 hours or so including drive time), then move it to the other tank for the 6 or 7 hours from when I get home until I go to bed.
So basically, 1 tank would have 9.5 hours of 2.17 w/g and 6.5 hours of .67 w/g, and the other tank would have 9.5 hours of .6 w/g and 6.5 hours of 2.6 w/g. Would that be enough light to keep most plants happy?
My other idea would be to use both normal fixtures on the 30 gallon (since it has a glass hood), and just the power compact on the 25 gallon (25g will be the Invert tank, and 30g is a "semi-agressive" community tank). That would give me 1.16 w/g in my 30g, and 2.6 w/g in my 25g.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated since none of the Fish stores in Denver seem to know anything about live plants. Thanks.
Also, I know that there is more too it then just the lighting...but I am pretty sure I have the CO2 and Nutrients figured out...so I am just looking for light advice at this time. Thanks again.
