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From:canada
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posted 02-23-2004 08:00 PM         

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Hi
I have recently purchased the live aquatic plants called Hornwort and Camboda (fernwort) one of them needs moderate and the other needs low-medium lighting...problem is- it doesnt say anywhere what is considered low, medium moderate lighting. I have a 55 gallon tank with a 30 w fluroscent bulb. Do you think this is sufficient?
Thanks!

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posted 02-23-2004 08:57 PM         

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30 W is pretty low. For low to medium you're likely looking at 2 watts per gallon. Also important is the kelvin and CRI rating. Look for a light in the 5000-6000K range and preferably over 70 CRI. I haven't been able to find compatible lights for my 20 gallon with these specs and am using 2800K 82CRI and am finding my plants are surviving, but not growing as fast as they should.

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posted 02-23-2004 11:41 PM         

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Hi Katanas_edge,
thanks for your reply. I did do a little internet searching after I read your response - primarily on Big Al's. I couldn't find the 5000-6000 K range and the 70 CRI (I don't know what this means). I have written down the information you gave me as I do trust that you know what you are talking about so I will take this info. in to aquarium stores.
I am new to aquarium plants and I found it strange that PetSmart said I don't need any plant food/fertilizer etc. What makes them grow? They seem to be doing well thus far ()
One more question - if any of my fish gets a disease, can they be treated in the same aquarium as the plants or would I need to purchase a "hospital tank"?
Thanks so much for your help!

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posted 02-24-2004 07:04 AM         

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The numbers are related to the spectrum of the lights. Kelvin is based on the equivalent light emitted by a heated piece of metal (not sure what kind of metal - likely iron). ie) 6000K would be the colour that (iron)? glows at 6000 degrees Kelvin. CRI is an index that compares it too natural sunlight. 100 is identical and it gets further away as the number drops.

What makes a plant grow is primarily carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and energy - same as us. Carbon they get from CO2 (carbon dioxide), nitrogen in the form of nitrate, phosphorous from dissolved minerals in the water and from food/waste and energy from light (photosynthesis). As for trace minerals, it depends on what's in the water you put in the tank (tap water). Generally, many of the trace minerals are present. If your plant seems to be losing colour and taking on a yellowish shade it's likely low in iron. This is the main constituent of most fertilisers.

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posted 02-24-2004 07:23 AM         

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A couple more things,

The amount of lighting you have will be limited by the number and length of lights your canopy can hold and the wattage that your light fixture is built to handle. You may find that to achieve the required amount of light you need a new canopy. I've seen drawings posted on websites for DIY canopies if you're so inclined.

If you plan on planting more, you may want to look into purchasing laterite for around the roots of your plant. Basically, it's an iron rich clay. Rinse it well.

Lastly, on Big Als, click on flourescent-VHO (very high output). 36" lights produce 95 Watts. Check out the 50/50 and the tri-chromatic. You can do without the actinic blue in the 50/50 but your Kelvins are good and it does give the light a nice soft bluish tinge. The tri-chromatic are excellent - 6500K and 92CRI! Don't bother with the 10000K VHO's, power compacts or metal halides - they're almost certainly more than you need.

[This message has been edited by katanas_edge (edited 02-24-2004).]

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posted 02-25-2004 02:10 PM         

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Thanks again Katanas_edge,
I have noticed a huge growth spurt in my plants already (especially the hornwort- which has grown double the size in in 4 days).
I really like the sound of the laterite as I find sometimes the fish like to nibble on the plants and almost uproot them. I don't mind at all that the fish like to eat them, I just would prefer that the roots stay under the gravel. I think some type of clay would be a huge benefit. I have printed your post off as it is a lot of information to take in all at once. Thank-you again for all of your help...I'm sure my fish appreciate it as well!
Cheers!

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posted 02-25-2004 02:16 PM         

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Laterite for aquariums is generally packaged as granular - like aquarium gravel. If your fish are pulling them up, tey some river rocks around the base until the roots become more established.

Also, plants like java fern and java moss can be tied to a rock or piece of driftwood and will eventually anchor themselves to it. They tend to be able to handle a fair bit of browsing.

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posted 02-25-2004 08:21 PM         

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I would love to get some java fern or java moss last time I was at Big Al's I wasnt ready for live plants yet. Next time I am there I will pick some up as I have a peice of driftwood thatit would look great on. I need some low plants for the front of the tank and the middle as well that are fairly easy to take care of. Any suggestions?

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