April 2008 Photo Contest Winner:
2007 Photo of the Year Contest Winner:
|
Oklahoma Aquarium Association Articles
When it comes to lighting a planted aquarium there are actually very many options. The first thing to consider is the Rate of Growth that you are after. Do you want rapid or moderate growth? I myself prefer moderate growth. This allows me to use lower output lighting (either fluorescent or incandescent). It also means I can forego the additional equipment and test kits needed to monitor and balance the fertilization regime required of higher intensity lighting. However, test kits for Nitrates, Nitrites, pH, and Carbonate Hardness* are not to be regarded as unnecessary. Most hobbyists recommend at least using these. I for one have only used a pH and hardness test kit up till now. With the use of a soil substrate; a Nitrate/Nitrite test kit becomes somewhat obligatory. For moderate growth, Normal Output (NO) fluorescent or incandescent bulbs are more than adequate for most less than difficult plant species. Herein, lies the second point to consider: The type of plants you want to grow! I think the mistake many beginners make is seeing an incredible specimen (plant or fish) at the store or in another tank and getting it without taking into consideration what it takes to keep it healthy and beautiful. Plants, like fish, have particular requirements and will look and grow best if these are followed. NO fluorescent and incandescent bulbs CAN grow high light plants. It just takes more wattage to produce enough light to satisfy these types of plants. Keep in mind though that incandescent (meaning halogen too) bulbs do produce quite a bit of heat as well. Higher light, though, means the plants use up more of the available nutrients in the tank. So, to stay healthy the plants now NEED CO2 additions. This is relatively simple. Several DIY CO2 recipes are available on the web. Water column fertilization may also become necessary, especially if you're using a regular substrate or one without a nutrient source. You have now got to the point where you will be getting more rapid growth. NO fluorescent and incandescent bulbs might not be suitable anymore. Here is where your options really multiply. High Output (HO), Very High Output (VHO), Power Compacts (PC), Compact Fluorescent (CFL), Metal Halide (MH), and Mercury Vapor (MV) lighting are several readily available selections. Your choice of lighting will depend greatly on your tank size and plant needs. Each of these options is discussed extensively in the FAQ, as well as in the APD Archives. In addition to these types of lighting, Halogen Spot Lights and Quartz Track Lighting (both are actually the same thing). These types of lighting have often been considered as low cost alternatives to the normally used lighting sources listed above. As you can see, there are many options for those interested in rapid growth rates. Of course, this does not mean you are always going to get more productive growth by using higher output/wattage lighting. Tank size by volume and depth will also be a factor. Lower wattage, high output lamps can also be used effectively to accomplish moderate growth rates. By determining First, what it is you are after, it is easier to decide which lighting options to go with. I hope, that in some sense, the information and links above will provide some clarity to this topic for you. Good Luck! * A huge debate on the usefulness of terms such as calcium carbonate, hardness, KH and GH can be found by searching for any one of these terms in the APD archives at FINS.
Links:
|
