Just how much light do I need??

[chinnp]

I have a weird plant lighting question. I made the dive into live plants on Thursday without doing a whole lot of research :duh: . Now it's Monday and my plants are dieing. I figured the fish would breath enough CO2 out that I'd be fine and that the lights I had on the tank would be fine. The plants are now drooping and leaves are turning brown. I think the main problem may be my lighting. I have a 55 gallon tank with two 22 volt lamps on it. I've read I need 4-5 watts per gallon but putting two 100 watt bulbs on a 55 gallon freshwater tank seems a little extreme to me.

On a related question, if I replace my 20 watt bulb with a 100 watt bulb, would I have to replace my ballast as well, or would I need to replace the whole fixture?

Another related question, Is it possible my problem is CO2 and not lighting and that I'd be better off looking into some CO2 injectors, DIY or otherwise?

 

[kyle3]

research

 

[wesleydnunder]

Then do some more research. Decide what plants you wish to keep and then research their needs: lighting, ferts, co2, substrate, etc. I can answer one question. A 20w ballast won't run a hundred watt lamp.

Mark

 

[bencozzy]

ive never kept many plants with co2 or fert, so id look into your lighting first.

you should be able to use 2x48" 40W bulbs(i like GE aquaray fresh/saltwater bulbs)

swords require more care though.

 

[kyle3]

co2 is actuallt more important than light

 

[tai95]

co2 is actuallt more important than light

If you don't have enough light the CO2 would be kinda pointless. At 0.8 wpg i'm sure there is not much photosynthesis happening. If there is no photosynthesis there is no need for extra CO2.

 

[Hurley]

co2 is actuallt more important than light

I do not agree with this. Tom Barr has written articles about low tech tanks and Diana Walstad practices them. There are many plant owners who do not run CO2 and have beautiful and healthy tanks. Dosing proper amounts and having correct lighting are just as critical. In fact not having CO2 just means the plants will not grow as fast and you will not get pearling which is really just for aesthetics anyway. 4-5 watts per gallon is very high, I would recommend 2-3 instead.

 

[dorkfish]

what kind of plants did you get?

 

[jeepjon]

I would get a double bulb 40 watt setup (2*40 watts). or two 48" single strip lights. That should get you started with your lighting.

Then read a bunch...plants are tricky, but once you find what they like, well worth it!
-Jon

 

[jeepjon]

also...you can add more strip lights as you need more light...or upgrade to VHO, Power Compact...etc.

I would try the double strip light, as you could add another strip on top of the 55 still.

-Jon