Should i add more lights ?

owl

owl

\m/ \m/
Jul 8, 2008
704
0
0
hi all ,
i have a 55g heavily planted now .
i have diy co2 source and 2*35w 6500k lamps that is on for 8 hours a day, and i thought now that the tank is heavily planted should i add some more lights ??
if yes ,i m thinkin of another 35w 5400k , or i should go for another 6500k ? and should i change the ( increase/decrease ) lighting hours ?
and i should mention that i have algae problem ( hair and black algae ! both ! ) if it should be in mind ...
thnx
 
I'm thinking the Black algae could be from using the DIY Co2?
The DIY Co2 getting introduced to such a large tank un-evenly with the low light and
a un-even amount of nutrients are in the water causing these algae issue?
I'm not sure, but I'm learning too and this is my guess.
 
Last edited:
If you've packed your tank w/ plants using the current lighting, it is adequate for the species you have. That said, nother 35W wouldn't hurt.

The algae is encouraged by variations in CO2 levels and lack of current in the tank (a natural consequence of letting plants get too thick). Keep up w/ CO2 brine changes (or, better yet, go pressurized), thin out the plants and/or add a power head to maintain circulation.
 
thnx all , i now use an small power head to make current in tank and attached the co2 to power head air intake to spray it to the tank ,,
do i need more current ? ( the power head is 250 gph i think ) .
any way about my plants , i have 2 suspicious plants , that the seller said it s kinda anubias , but i m sure one of them is narrow leaf temple (corymbosa ?), and i think the other one is some kinda temple aswell (i ll try to send some photos if u want ), beside that i have hastifolia anubias , cryptocoryne , lost and lotsa crockscrews (they r conquering my tank !!!), ludwigia and a dying amazon sword .
i have another unknown plant that has big leafs like anubias nana but the back of leavs are violet , they lost all they leavs but seems they starting to grow now :)
, i have 2 6500k 35w cheap chinese brand lamps ...
so , i think i ll go for another 5400k(or maybe 6500k) 35w ...
one thing else ,i use 2*1.5 liter diy co2 source , do u think i should add more ?
 
I personally don't think lighting is your answer. Simply adding more light is not a quick fix and the plants you listed aren't demanding. I think you are using 'temple' for the genus hygrophila. Otherwise Alternanthera reineckii is known as 'red temple'.

Your Co2 levels are going to be too variable IMO. For now I would add a couple more bottles to ensure you are getting a good supply and then schedule the refills on a rotational basis. That way the Co2 levels will be more consistent rather than a huge influx after a new batch with the levels decreasing thereafter.

A much more simple and cost effective solution (in the long run) would be to go pressurized. DIY simply won't cut it on larger tanks.
 
thnx , i m startin to research everythin again ,to maybe start my whole plant keepin system from start , i ll come with a plan and will inform u guys :)
in the mean time , i m startin a 3 days blackout for the tank , to see if it help me get rid of BBA ,
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom