Can this kind of light grow any plants? What types?

[smileyface9]

What types of plants can this type of light grow if any? And how long should i leave it on if i have plants? It's a 29 gallon. I also have good lighting from my windows, not too much though. Here's a photo. Sorry it's somewhat blurry. If it's bad tell me to take another.



And then i already have this type..id?

 

[jetajockey]

It's the right spectrum, but probably not enough intensity to grow a whole lot. That said, though, I'd still try java ferns, anubias, java moss, crypts, aponogeton, banana plant.

That plant is anacharis.

 

[smileyface9]

It's the right spectrum, but probably not enough intensity to grow a whole lot. That said, though, I'd still try java ferns, anubias, java moss, crypts, aponogeton, banana plant.

That plant is anacharis.

Thank you! i'll try that

 

[pleechford]

This light definitely will grow some plants. I used the same one for my ten gallon for the longest and my plants did surprisingly well!

 

[smileyface9]

This light definitely will grow some plants. I used the same one for my ten gallon for the longest and my plants did surprisingly well!

Yayy!! so what kind of plants did you have in it?

 

[pleechford]

Yayy!! so what kind of plants did you have in it?

When I had the light I had a java fern, Crypts, Anubis, and 3 amazon sword plants. They all did well except for the sword plants. The swords didn't grow that fast and The leaves grew kinda funny. Overall I'd say it's a good low lighting light if your tank isn't that deep. It worked for me in my little 10g.

 

[Justme68]

Hello! Sorry to invade here....Pleechford, I have the same light and same tank (29gal) it is 19 in deep from top. Is that too deep? I have been asking the same question. Thank you soooo much

 

[fort384]

This light definitely will grow some plants. I used the same one for my ten gallon for the longest and my plants did surprisingly well!

There would be a big difference in PAR between keeping this light on a 10 gal vs. a 29gal.

On a 29 gal, this light will not grow much. As Jetajockey mentioned, there are a few low light plants that would survive with it (but probably not thrive). A single tube T-8 light is just not a great lighting solution for a lush planted tank.

 

[Justme68]

Thanks for the help Fort! Maybe I'll just start off with silk for now and save up for a better lighting system. It'll be OK to add live plants after I'm well established and have had fish for a while right?

 

[fort384]

Absolutely no issues with that.

I think if you wanted to try some java fern and java moss now, it would be ok. However, I will say that usually the biggest obstacle to a stunning planted tank is the lighting - and most folks new to planted tanks get awfully frustrated when they try to grow plants under a light not suitable for the task... the plants wither, turn brown and die, and so does the interest of the new hobbyist.

 

[mfdrookie516]

It should also be noted that the light in the first post is 24", meaning it's on a 20 or 29. It won't grow nearly as much as a 15" of the same type on a 10g.

 

[Justme68]

That's my problem, if they're gonna be brown and spotty and not all green and pretty I may as well just wait. I don't want to get discouraged!

 

[smileyface9]

There would be a big difference in PAR between keeping this light on a 10 gal vs. a 29gal.

On a 29 gal, this light will not grow much. As Jetajockey mentioned, there are a few low light plants that would survive with it (but probably not thrive). A single tube T-8 light is just not a great lighting solution for a lush planted tank.

Would aquarium plant firtilizers help any?

 

[smileyface9]

It should also be noted that the light in the first post is 24", meaning it's on a 20 or 29. It won't grow nearly as much as a 15" of the same type on a 10g.

Yeah I never had luck with sword plants lol.

 

[fort384]

Would aquarium plant firtilizers help any?

With that light, very little if at all.

 

[smileyface9]

With that light, very little if at all.

Thanks. It's just the one it cme with. What kind of light would i need to grow at least low to medium light plants?

 

[Justme68]

Hope you don't mind if I'm following this Smiley. I have the same situation and I'm kinda disappointed. Thinking about going with silk for the time being unless I hear something definate to use and reasonably priced

 

[smileyface9]

Hope you don't mind if I'm following this Smiley. I have the same situation and I'm kinda disappointed. Thinking about going with silk for the time being unless I hear something definate to use and reasonably priced

I don't mind at all! i have a few plastic plants (haven't tried silk plants) and my fish are happy with it, but i'm thinking of adding real plants when i have money for it.