Fluorescent

[Colbyt54]

I have an aqueon fluorescent light/lid on my 10 gallon, I was wondering if that could grow low light plants? And if so how much work are they? Thanks!

 

[dudley]

You should be able to grow low light plants such as some Anubias species, stem plants and possibly Cryptocoryne wendtii. They aren't that much work depending on which you choose.

 

[Colbyt54]

You should be able to grow low light plants such as some Anubias species, stem plants and possibly Cryptocoryne wendtii. They aren't that much work depending on which you choose.

Alright, thanks!

 

[FreshyFresh]

Just to add to the above advice, Java fern and java moss are some other options that may grow with the lighting you have. A new bulb and changing the bulb every year or so will also help. The thing with fluorescent is, even though the bulb lights up and looks fine to the human eye, the amount of radiation they put out that allows for plant growth fades over time- rather rapidly.

 

[Colbyt54]

Just to add to the above advice, Java fern and java moss are some other options that may grow with the lighting you have. A new bulb and changing the bulb every year or so will also help. The thing with fluorescent is, even though the bulb lights up and looks fine to the human eye, the amount of radiation they put out that allows for plant growth fades over time- rather rapidly.

So replace the bulb just about every year? And as of now I have black gravel in the tank and poured a bunch of quick start in yesterday and am waiting a little bit. I’m not sure when I’ll be able to go out again after today, if I buy the plants today and put them in the tank will they be ok? I can also put them in my 55 gallon tank? (a 3 inch flowerhorn is the only thing in it) do I need to add anything else?

 

[the loach]

The thing with fluorescent is, even though the bulb lights up and looks fine to the human eye, the amount of radiation they put out that allows for plant growth fades over time- rather rapidly.

That is not true. Fluorescents have a LLMF (reduction of Lumen output) of something like 0,90 between 12,000 to 20,000 hours (depending on the type), meaning they still have 90% of their output at that time. So if you have them on for 12 hours a day, that's 4380 hours per year. I change mine every 3 to 4 years depending on the type. Aquarium specific bulbs do not last as long.

Now Leds, on the other hand, also fade over time (and not all equally of course) but you won't find those numbers on the Leds you buy, either they aren't available or are omitted cause they aren't great... it's still cheaper to replace the larger fluorescents as buying Leds.

So replace the bulb just about every year?

I have a 10 gal with fluorescent bulb, plant growth is excellent, I change the bulb about every 3 years.

 

[Colbyt54]

That is not true. Fluorescents have a LLMF (reduction of Lumen output) of something like 0,90 between 12,000 to 20,000 hours (depending on the type), meaning they still have 90% of their output at that time. So if you have them on for 12 hours a day, that's 4380 hours per year. I change mine every 3 to 4 years depending on the type. Aquarium specific bulbs do not last as long.

Now Leds, on the other hand, also fade over time (and not all equally of course) but you won't find those numbers on the Leds you buy, either they aren't available or are omitted cause they aren't great... it's still cheaper to replace the larger fluorescents as buying Leds.



I have a 10 gal with fluorescent bulb, plant growth is excellent, I change the bulb about every 3 years.

Alright, thank you so much! As of right now I want to put some java fern and some java mass, maybe some Kind of carpet plant? I was thinking dwarf grass? Also I have a male betta in a 5 gallon right now and I’m trying to decide stocking with this 10 ? I’m deciding between two female bettas, one male betta, or just moving the one I have over and putting either a male or a female in my 5, what’s your opinions?

 

[Amazoniantanklvr]

it's still cheaper to replace the larger fluorescents as buying Leds.

Im going to disagree.

Op, you should also be able to grow hornwort

 

[the loach]

Alright, thank you so much! As of right now I want to put some java fern and some java mass, maybe some Kind of carpet plant? I was thinking dwarf grass?

Carpet plants like dwarf grass are typically medium to high light plants, so that's not going to work.

Im going to disagree.

Good quality 4' T8 fluorescents ±$4, have to replace them every 3 years, Lumen per watt still higher as Leds, change my mind?

 

[Amazoniantanklvr]

Carpet plants like dwarf grass are typically medium to high light plants, so that's not going to work.



Good quality 4' T8 fluorescents ±$4, have to replace them every 3 years, Lumen per watt still higher as Leds, change my mind?

Agreed. However java moss can be used as a carpet.


Im not disagreeing with you about the blub price. But the fixture can cost say 40. In the long run a cheap LED (beasmwork for example) will be cheaper in the long run, IMO.