Anyone want to give a crash course in lighting?

Shadowcat0789

I really want to know more about lighting, once I get my 30 set up i'm thinking hard about buying a T5 lighting system for the tank but want to know more about it, and if i even need it. I want my plants to be nice and healthy, preferrably without having to buy and install a CO2 system. Anyone wanna teach me about lighting?

fishkid

T5s are good, especially T5HO. You won't have to use CO2, but will probably have to dose some ferts.

Unrulyevil

Aquarium Lighting; Kelvin, Nanometers, PAR, Bulb, Watt, MH, LED, light basics.


enjoy

Fishin Pole

Excellent link Unruly!................a lttle more in depth than most of us need to know, but very informative....

Unrulyevil

Thanks.. yea good info

Byron

That is a very good link Unrulyevil posted, I came across it some time ago and I've learned from it.

Shadowcat0789, it is possible to have a lush planted tank without CO2. There simply has to be a balance between the light (intensity and duration) and nutrients for the type of plants. If you have a look at the photos of both my aquaria, you will see what is possible with minimal lighting (1 watt per gallon, but it is full spectrum), no CO2, plain gravel substrate, and liquid fertilizer twice a week. Both these tanks have been running 9 months, and I have previously had similar-looking tanks for 10 years.

Once you've digested the info in that linked article, we are here to offer specific answers if you have questions.

Byron.