10 gallon planted EI dosing with no CO2 question...

[rastoma]

I don't have a lot of experience with a full on planted tank myself, but my understanding is you want around 6000k-7000k ideally for color temp. I have seen that aquarium bulb at Lowes and could not understand why/how it's labeled for use with aquariums and have such a low color temp. Plus you're paying a few dollars more for the word 'aquarium'.

For some of my smaller tanks I have been using the GE daylight bulb. It has 6500k color temp and I have some of the plants you have, which I feel they are just as 'worthy' (please....).... as any other plant. If you like it, that's all that matters...... anyway.. they are doing great with once a week flourish.. sometimes once a month and root tabs.

I think you'll see faster growth on the plants you have with a different bulb.

 

[Fish_Bone]

Ok thanks rastoma. I work at Lowe's, so I will check into a different light. Maybe the one mentioned before with higher powered bulbs and color temp. Range.

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[FreshyFresh]

Pretty sure plants will grow OK at color/temps below 6500K, provided the lamps kick out enough PAR. Problem is, the typical lamp manufacturer doesn't spec PAR ratings that I'm aware.

 

[authmal]

Depends on the plants, I would guess. Low daylight (dawn/dusk, basically) starts at about 5000k. Any lower than that, and I doubt photosynthesis would occur at high quantities, since most plants evolved to use daylight to photosynthesize.

 

[Fish_Bone]

I'd dial back the ferts a bit until you get the CO2 going. I'd consider increasing your lighting, as well (once the CO2 is added). 15W of T8 lighting is just barely enough for low light plants.

I don't have a lot of experience with a full on planted tank myself, but my understanding is you want around 6000k-7000k ideally for color temp. I have seen that aquarium bulb at Lowes and could not understand why/how it's labeled for use with aquariums and have such a low color temp. Plus you're paying a few dollars more for the word 'aquarium'.

For some of my smaller tanks I have been using the GE daylight bulb. It has 6500k color temp and I have some of the plants you have, which I feel they are just as 'worthy' (please....).... as any other plant. If you like it, that's all that matters...... anyway.. they are doing great with once a week flourish.. sometimes once a month and root tabs.

I think you'll see faster growth on the plants you have with a different bulb.

So Based on my reading on CFL's, I found great post from Plantbrain, hoppy, i4x4nmore, I made these purchases. I am going to wait to open them and use them until I verify that I am correct with my decision.
I bought 2 fixtures (5 1/2in around), the bulbs are 6500k daylight 800 lumens 13w=60w.

And on a separate but kind of on topic question, I noticed on Lowes website that they list PAR for flood lights but not CFL's or anything else that I noticed...So why do they list it for them but not the other bulbs?

 

[Fish_Bone]

I found some helpful post that helped me decide to go ahead put the new lights to use.
Old light

New lights


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[authmal]

The new lights look like proper brightness and are a good color warmth, so should see improvements.

 

[FreshyFresh]

Yep, looks great FB!

I think my plants grew a little when your pic popped up.

~26watts worth of 6500K CFLs on that 10g should do the trick, especially with those reflectors.

 

[Fish_Bone]

Awesome! I really appreciate everyones help with this tank, even with all the reading I did, lighting was still a murky subject for me. I think next check I am going to bite the bullet and get a CO2 tank. I mean I am going to need one for my 75 sometime, so might as well do it now.

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[authmal]

No, you won't *need* one for your 75 unless you intend to use plants that require it. It's an added thing, not a necessary thing, and yes, it can promote verdant growth.