Another lighting question

RocknRollMoCo

RocknRollMoCo

Can I get bigger livebait?
Jun 1, 2004
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Ok.. I know you get alot of these but I am sooo confused.. I know I jumped right in to the plant world without doing my homework.. I have quite a few tanks but this is my first time trying to actually grow something besides fish babies. My husband started a new 29 gallon saltwater tank and took all his stuff out of a 10 gallon.. I siezed it.. cleaned it out.. bought some Seachem Flourite Plant Substrate.. after I got that cleaned up (not a easy task, it was the dirtyest gravel I have ever seen) I went back and got a couple of plants. Moneywart is one and something that looks like grass and one that looks like a christmas tree.. anyhoo.. I totaly forgot the lighting.. I have a Coralife 20,000K 15 watt bulb on the tank.. What is that going to do?? its so much more than the 6500K that is recomended and not enough watts.. (10 gallon)

I also ordered some plants. they are listed below.. I know I know.. I have gotten ahead of myself.. I jumped in with both feet.. but please help..

1 Java Fern

2 Cryptocoryne Wendtii (Red)

1 Echinodorus Bleheri Small ( Amazon)

3 Ludwigia repens

1 Anubias Barteri

4 Echinodorus Tenellus

1/8 lb Java Moss

1 Portion Lilaeopsis

I will try to upload a picture too.. no promises

f47501a5.jpg
 
Fluorite is a great substrate, though it is kind of muddy when you first rinse it a bit. If you thought washing one bag was bad, you can thank that you weren't me. I had to wash 7 bags of the stuff :eek:

I'm pretty sure that the tube that you have was meant for Saltwater (though I might be wrong, I've never used those). The 20,000 K could be the colour temperature of the bulb itself, or it might just be the name of the bulb. I haven't the slightest clue, but I'd check the bulb itself, it should say on it.

If it is indeed a 20,000 K bulb, I suggest replacing it with a 6500K bulb as plants "prefer" 4500 - 10000K colour temperatures.

As for the amount of lighting, you're right 15W over a 10g isn't really a lot, you should upgrade to (perhaps) a dual strip light if you can, and that way, you'd have more light as well as more choice for plants. The plants that you have right now may do "OK" for a bit, but it really depends. I'd be more worried about the Echinodorus (sword) as well as the Lilaeopsis (microsword). The Ludwigia may or may not fair well, IME, I've had it in ~ 2 wpg, and it seemed okay.
 
It is for a salt but how will it effect my plants?

Yep the 20000k light was for a saltwater tank.. I was wondering what all the extra kelvin would do? I have looked locally for a light bulb or a light strip that would work and have not found one. Have you heard of a online store that would be good for a light sorce. I guess finding a bulb that will do it is out of the question?? It just the look that I want to keep clean and neat. I really dont want to put a hood it that is bulky or without a cover. I have a 2 yearold that wants to put her hands in everything. A lid that has a closable hood is what I would like to have.
 
As for the substrate!!

Holy cow. Just my one bag I took scoops out and used my kitchen strainer. I thought I had it all, ohhhhh no.. after about washing it out about 6 times the water finally became almost clear enough. I could not amagine having to do any more bags.. I do like the look and it supposedly is one of the best substrates you can get or at least one of the most expensive. Have you noticed a big difference or did I just spend some of my plant money on a ok substrate?

I really appreciate your reply. I was beginning to wonder if anyone would.
 
If possible replace the bulb and for furture reference look for low light plant java fern and java moss are great and you will enjoy them...the extra K's will probaly promote algae so if you reall want to keep that bulb limit your lighting and watch out for any sign of algae...but changing it should be no problem and your all set !!
 
I am still at a loss on how you can upgrade the lighting without removing the hood? This is just a little 10 gallon tank with a hood that I got at WalMart. I can see that the hood would defuse some of the lighting because of the shield... I think I will make another run to WalMart or head to Petsmart in the next town over today to see what can be done. I have heard of some of you getting a lightbulb from home depot that will have the amount of watts and Kelvins.... my problem is that the socket is a 18in. and I have looked and looked over the internet and not found one that would have the right wattage yet. Maybe I am trying to hard in the pet sections and I need to back up and try the handyman way. Thanks again.. not sure what else to do..
 
overthinking the problem

Ok.. one trip to walmart and my problem is solved. They had a Incandescent Bulb hood that had two spots for bulbs. I purchased two 10 watt 5600K bulbs and presto it is SO much brighter in the tank. I guess I can start looking for a little higher watt bulb if needed but for now I have 2w per gallon with 5600K. It is working good.. now I just need to figure out how to keep the plants in the gravel and not floating up all the time.

Thanks Again

:girl:
 
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