I have begun adding plants to my all-male cichlid tank. It is a 45G tall-style tank that is 3' long. I currently have 1 20W bulb that came with the tank, which I realize is not enough. However, in spite of the low light, I have anubias, java fern and moss, and an onion plant that appear to be doing o.k. I am adding the plants to combat diatoms as a result of the high phosphate level in my tap water as well as I like the way they look. I would also like to try adding some vallisneria and ludwigia. The lighting options I am trying to decide between both come from AH Supply. The first in to go with 2x36W kits in a DIY hood and the other is 1x96W kit in a DIY hood. Any thoughts or suggestions on either of these options as well as anything else I may need to consider?
Lighting help
- Thread starter mcybyk
- Start date
dont plant a cichlid tank, youre gonna lose 90% of the plants. Also, for that tank a 1X96 bright kit would be ok but im thinking the ludwiga may need more light.
I agree to an extent. In addition to the plants you have vallisneria tends to work well, although it aways depends on the individual cichlids.
Ludwigia is going to need closer to 1.5-2 wpg, and will be ripped up by cichlids without hesitation.
I'd shoot for around 1-1.5 wpg, it should be able to grow your plants without growing algae as well.
Ludwigia is going to need closer to 1.5-2 wpg, and will be ripped up by cichlids without hesitation.
I'd shoot for around 1-1.5 wpg, it should be able to grow your plants without growing algae as well.