VerdantGrotto's Fresh-Water Habitat

VerdantGrotto

I had heard that Malaysian wood is less prone to maladies like softer woods. I was actually warned by Byron about Mopani , Manzanita and Grapewood having fungus issues... You would think I would have listened...

VerdantGrotto

Two things...

First, does anyone know what type of plant is to the left of the Ruffled Amazon Sword? And I'm not referring to the Red Ludwigia. (See Pic Below)

Secondly, I've looked into lighting (barely} and I've realized that my LED light is far inferior than what I need for live plants. On that note I am making a move back to Flourescent (Mainly because I don't have 200$ - 300$ for a LED light bar). I hope to purchase this Aqueon Light Bar and would like a few second opinions. (See Pic Below) I could get this light system for about 130$ (Need Glass Covers also)

Attached Images

	2013-01-27 21.07.53.jpg (41.3 KB, 31 views)
	2013-02-02 13.24.37.jpg (37.4 KB, 31 views)

JDM

First, no idea on the plant ID.

Second, what are the tank dimensions? I know 55 gallon.

Third, what exactly is the LED fixture you have now?

Jeff.

Byron

If the plant ID is the green stem plant [which is the only plant I can see left of the sword BTW, not sure where the red Ludwigia is?] we will need a closer photo showing the leaf structure and stem. Might be an Hygrophila.

Agree with Jeff on the present light, what is it?

As for the T5 pictured, if this has HO tubes it will be much too bright. A single T5 with an HO tube would work, or a dual tube T8, whichever with 48 inch tubes.

Quantum

I like those fixtures, they are not HO, I have the dual 24" over a 25 gal and a single 30" over a 29 gal, they came with 'plant' bulbs (along with a 6700K in the dual fixture), I replaced them with a 6700K for the 29 gal and a 10000K I already had to go along with the 6700K for the 25 gal

VerdantGrotto

Approximate Tank Dimensions : 48" L x 12.5" D x20.5"

Jeff, The LED light I have is what came with the 55Gallon Marineland Kit. It is the lowest LED in terms of strength. On the Marineland Website on the FAQ's they actually state that it isn't capable of sustaining plant matter. I actually posted a pic of said statement on one of your threads. Didn't you state that you have a double bright LED system?

Byron, The "Red Ludwigia" or what was sold as Red Ludwigia is the plant to the left of the one in question. There are three plants in the picture. (Far Right - Ruffled Amazon Sword... Middle - ???... Far Left - Red Ludwigia) I'm suspecting the Redness of the RL has diminished due to the lack of sufficient light. I've tried to get a better shot of the middle plant with leaves on it but my Angel is a Paparazzi Nut and swims in front of the camera every time. (He also eats all the leaves on said plant)

Quantam, I'm not sure what the Wavelength charts mean on the back of the bulbs for that equipment. Perhaps you could shed some...light... on the matter?

Attached Images

	poor light.png (88.0 KB, 25 views)
	MarineLand LED plant deficiency.png (93.6 KB, 25 views)

JDM

This is one of the reasons that I didn't get a kit to start out i just figured that i t wasnt the best equipment. The standard hood light will not work for plants... I did not know that at the time.

I guess I lost track of your previous mention of this. Yes, double bright.

Jeff.

VerdantGrotto

From what I've read, the double bright will work for low-light plants. I imagine you could probably extend the light period a few hours. I'm no expert but I wouldn't have it on for more than 12-14 hrs. According to MarineLand, their Reef ready LED system will work for planted tanks but it's also the most expensive... imagine that

Personally, I am going back to flourescent until the LED technology becomes more affordable and comparable to current standards.

JDM

I'm currently running 14 hours but it has nothing to do with the plants, it's just our schedule around here. I think the reef is the wrong light spectrum.

Jeff.
Posted via Mobile Device

Quantum

It shows the spectral output of the bulbs. The idea with the 'plant grow' tubes is that they emit relatively more blue and red light as those are the wavelengths that are absorbed by chlorophyll a for photosynthesis. I haven't seen much evidence in the form of scientific studies that supports the theory that these type bulbs lead to better plant growth, even if they did, the trade off would be the unnatural light they emit. I didn't notice it much until I started using bulbs that emit a more natural light (I like the 6700K from coralife/aqueon). Bulbs in the 6500K range will have a better balance of red, blue and also green so that the light appears whiter.