lighting help

[azure bones]

Ok so i got some questions for u lighting gurus out there I now have 4 t5 that are 14 watts each over my 15 gallon tank so I got 3.7 wpg so does this put me in the med to high light range for plants? Also I have 2 6700 k and 2 colormax full spectrum bulbs but have ready availability to blue bulbs or 10000 k bulbs should I be using any special bulb setup?

 

[LemurLad]

You're in the med-high, I'd say. Might wanna add on CO2 with all that light, will help out with algae destruction and plant growth, consider adding ferts as well.

 

[azure bones]

You're in the med-high, I'd say. Might wanna add on CO2 with all that light, will help out with algae destruction and plant growth, consider adding ferts as well.

I am running DIY co2 at about 1 bps and I dose flourish

 

[LemurLad]

Sounds like you're doing it right! Go get yourself a treat, some sort of nice carpet plant.

 

[azure bones]

I'm getting some java moss off a guy on here should be in sometime this week

 

[LemurLad]

Well that'd grow quite well, definitely, but I wouldn't call it carpet. Here's a good guide to aquatic plants: Aquarium Plants.

 

[azure bones]

Yea I know I'm just covering my wood with it and lookin into gettin some dwarf hairgrass

 

[LemurLad]

Sounds good. Can't wait to see it.

 

[azure bones]

Thanks I have a thread on hear just on my tank and any thoughts on the different bulbs?

 

[LemurLad]

Blue bulbs and 10000K will just make your fish look pretty, without really benefiting the plants. The 6700 k and Colormax should be fine.

 

[azure bones]

Ok thanks that saves me some money that can go too plants Haha

 

[Coleallensmom]

I'm getting some java moss off a guy on here should be in sometime this week

Check this thread out: http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/alternate-uses-for-java-moss-140325.html

I just gave this moss=carpet idea a try. We will see what it looks like in a few weeks!

 

[azure bones]

Yea I've been keeping my eye on that can't wait to see it grow in

 

[fort384]

Blue bulbs and 10000K will just make your fish look pretty, without really benefiting the plants. The 6700 k and Colormax should be fine.

Agree on the blue actinic bulbs... they will not benefit plants. However, in my experience you can grow plants just fine under a 10000K bulb. Some folks have success even with 12000K bulbs on a planted tank. Personally, for the best looking light in a dual fixture, I like 1 10000K and 1 6500K bulb. It balances the light out a little better, and looks a little brighter/whiter that way.

 

[LemurLad]

Did I say 10000K? I meant... Um... 1000... K... Oh Fort, you're the plant guru around here!

 

[fort384]

Did I say 10000K? I meant... Um... 1000... K... Oh Fort, you're the plant guru around here!

LOL not sure about that... but it's all good. To be fair, I think the best for strictly plant growth and health is probably to stick close to 6500K... but to balance aesthetics and utility, I like the combo

 

[azure bones]

LOL not sure about that... but it's all good. To be fair, I think the best for strictly plant growth and health is probably to stick close to 6500K... but to balance aesthetics and utility, I like the combo

Ok but I got a quad fixture now currently 2 6700k and 2 full spectrum should I keep the full spectrum?