recommended hrs of light

[GoneFishing]

So I have been reading that 10 hours of light is adequate for plants.. is it ok if they get 12-14 a day?

I mean the sun rises here at 0500-0530 and doesn't set till 1800-1900 (6-7 pm) that right there is 13-14 of natural light. So I don't see why it would hurt but just curious to any side effects

 

[mfdrookie516]

Well, they don't get direct sunlight that long. Think about how the sun rises and sets....My tank is only lit for 7.5 hours a day. More than that often causes algae issues.

 

[GoneFishing]

Well then that would explain a lot lol.. ill be getting a timer this weekend, seems to be the best option

 

[mfdrookie516]

Yep, a timer is a necessity IMO. Try with 8. You may need to add or remove a half hour or so, just lets the plants, and potentially the algae, determine that.

 

[GoneFishing]

Well I def have the algae, and I'm hoping to get that under control when I get my pleco Saturday.. how will I know if the plants aren't getting enough light? Will they start to shrivel?

 

[mfdrookie516]

Yeah, they'll start to look droopy at first... but 8 hours is definitely sufficient

 

[Aspencer]

Yep, a timer is a necessity IMO. Try with 8. You may need to add or remove a half hour or so, just lets the plants, and potentially the algae, determine that.

How much light are you giving your plants...I believe you are high light, right? I give 2.4 wpg for a 10g for 9 hours and just getting green on the glass. I will try to reduce to 8 hours.

 

[GoneFishing]

How much light are you giving your plants...I believe you are high light, right? I give 2.4 wpg for a 10g for 9 hours and just getting green on the glass. I will try to reduce to 8 hours.

I have green algae on the glass and leaves oh and decor.. I'm sure the light is the culprit.. will reduce time lights on..