Member

Posts: 15
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Registered: Jul 2003

posted 08-04-2003 11:04 AM         

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I have never had a planted tank before and was wondering if you can use incandesent lighing instead of flouresecent. I have also seen incandesent light thst stimulates plant grow, do these work?

Also is there anything else that you would have to do to the tank that you wouldnt have to do with just fish? Can i keep plecos and piranha in a planted tank?
thanks

[This message has been edited by aqua_tamer (edited 08-04-2003).]

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Moderator

Posts: 806
From:
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 08-04-2003 10:56 PM         

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Flourescent lighting comes closer to the full spectrum of light, like you get from the sun, than incandescent lighting does. I don't recommend using grow lights. Not only will they make your plants grow they will also make algae grow. Also there is the heating factor with incandescent lights. You can get rapid temperature changes in the tank by having them on during the day and then off at night. This can lead to ich problems. Plants also don't do well with under-gravel filters. Also remember dieing plants will also mess with your PH and nitrites. Your Pleco will love the plants but after he's through with them you probably won't want them in your tank anymore. I know I sound awfully negative about live plants, but I've found it much easier to deal with the artificial than live. I love a natural looking tank and years ago that meant live plants, but they are manufacturing artificial ones now that look very close to the real thing. It also means I don't have to go through every day pinching back brown leaves and stems. This probably isn't what you wanted to hear but I hope it helps.

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