Is It Pollsible To Have Too Much Light??

[Stelt]

Hi all, I am new to the planted aquarium(and this site...1st thread!) and was wondering if there was such a thing as too much light and what the results are if you have too much. I am setting up a 10 gallon and plan to use CFLs to light it. I am planning on going with 2x13w CFL 6500k w hang on lamps. 13w CFL = 60w regular. This seems like a lot of wattage as I see most say you only need 3-5 per gallon and this would be 120 watts! Should I go with one and see how it goes or try both? I'm new and need help! Thanks in advance!!

~ Stelt

 

[Sk3lly]

More light = more energy

More energy = fast plant growth

Fast plant growth from high lighting means that co2 and nutrients need to be in tip top shape.

Plants need 3 things for growth...
Light
Co2
Ferts.

The more light you have, the more of the others you also need. This is the balancing act of a planted tank.

Without a balanced planted aquarium your plants will suffer, algae will take hold and your enthusiasm will diminish.

If you set this up, i give it a month before your asking all sorts of algae related questions.

YES THERE IS SUCH A THING AS TOO MUCH LIGHT AND TOO MANY PEOPLE ON THIS FORUM FALL INTO THE TRAP


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[Coursair]

Hi all, I am new to the planted aquarium(and this site...1st thread!) and was wondering if there was such a thing as too much light and what the results are if you have too much. I am setting up a 10 gallon and plan to use CFLs to light it. I am planning on going with 2x13w CFL 6500k w hang on lamps. 13w CFL = 60w regular. This seems like a lot of wattage as I see most say you only need 3-5 per gallon and this would be 120 watts! Should I go with one and see how it goes or try both? I'm new and need help! Thanks in advance!!

~ Stelt

That should be ok. If needed, you can raise the lights higher or filter thru a plastic screen.

I use two 10 watt mini CFLs on my 10g. Perfect !! I grow low to low/med light plants. Never had an algae issue. Tanks been up for years.

I do use liquid ferts.

1x weekly:
PWCs with Prime
API LeafZone
Flourish comprehensive

Weekly or daily
Flourish Excel ( Carbon)

I put my lights on a timer. I would start out with your lights on for eight hours a day , and keep an eye on the tank.



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[Stelt]

Thanks for the info! I will set up a timer and adjust height if needed! I plan to either dirt or eco complete(any suggestions on this would be great too!) and grow some annubus, dwarf sag, and a sword to start. I am going to use liquid fert and diy tabs. May add Excell or diy co2 later. Again thanks for the info! Keep it coming! Love it!