Deminox
Aquarium Advice Regular
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2014
- Messages
- 80
Just got my goldfish in their new 40gal tank ( dual filters dual airpump, frequent gravel vacs and low to moderate WCs for 2 fancytails, they're fine. They aren't too big for it yet.) a nice LED lighting kit for $110. Its 1500 lumens, bear in mind this is a 40gal long tank, so its lower in height than my 29g was.
Ignoring the very very base rule of thumb of 1watt per gallon low light, 5 watt per gallon medium, and 10 high light, as LEDs typically have a 1 to 6 watt ratio, and there are so many other variables to light quality that honestly that whole rule is rubbish, I want the best lighting for my goldfish that is also plant friendly.
The objective isn't for the plants to thrive. Goldfish love to root around in the substrate and nibble. But the objective is for the plants not to brown and die quickly as I dont feel like the amonia spikes from decaying matter is worth it. I also know my goldfish at least hate bright light and try to hide. I plan on getting some big leafy plants for them to take cover under, maybe some swords.
I can play with the spectrum a lot, and my goldfish seem most comfortable in a murky greenish blue with occasional waves of warmer tones. Definately not going to be good light for plants. My solution is I'm working on making a cave, more like a shelf, they can stay under on one side of the tank when the light needs to be brighter for the plants.
I must sound like im rambling. But given the setup, and given the intent that ill likely be replacing any plants every 6 to 8 months, but want them to at least last that long (my current dying banana plants did well for 8 months), any recomendations on what spectrum light would be best during the lowlight settings when I dont have the bright whites on? The blue green sure does help grow algea for my nerites to eat, but plants are a different ball game. Remember, I dont need the plants to last forever. They're in with goldfish afterall.
Sent from my VS986 using Aquarium Advice mobile app
Ignoring the very very base rule of thumb of 1watt per gallon low light, 5 watt per gallon medium, and 10 high light, as LEDs typically have a 1 to 6 watt ratio, and there are so many other variables to light quality that honestly that whole rule is rubbish, I want the best lighting for my goldfish that is also plant friendly.
The objective isn't for the plants to thrive. Goldfish love to root around in the substrate and nibble. But the objective is for the plants not to brown and die quickly as I dont feel like the amonia spikes from decaying matter is worth it. I also know my goldfish at least hate bright light and try to hide. I plan on getting some big leafy plants for them to take cover under, maybe some swords.
I can play with the spectrum a lot, and my goldfish seem most comfortable in a murky greenish blue with occasional waves of warmer tones. Definately not going to be good light for plants. My solution is I'm working on making a cave, more like a shelf, they can stay under on one side of the tank when the light needs to be brighter for the plants.
I must sound like im rambling. But given the setup, and given the intent that ill likely be replacing any plants every 6 to 8 months, but want them to at least last that long (my current dying banana plants did well for 8 months), any recomendations on what spectrum light would be best during the lowlight settings when I dont have the bright whites on? The blue green sure does help grow algea for my nerites to eat, but plants are a different ball game. Remember, I dont need the plants to last forever. They're in with goldfish afterall.
Sent from my VS986 using Aquarium Advice mobile app
