Aquarium Lighting For Plants?

[kng2bishop]

I just purchased a 29 gallon freshwater kit. The kit has a reflector light, 17 watt flourescent, 8K, T-8 light. I have live plants. That's less than 1 watt/gallon!!!!!

1. Can I leave my light on 24/7 or will my fish be stressed?

2. Does this lighting seem very insufficient for live plant growth and why would they size such for a kit?

 

[ian]

that is classed as a low light tank, don't leave your light on 24/7, you will get algae problems. The light needs to be on 8 hours max for a planted tank, they don't need anymore light. Low light tanks are very manageable, the plants will grow slower, however they will need less in the way of C02 and ferts as the light is so low. Saying that, i would still add liquid carbon and Tropica plant nutrition plus. Just remember to get easy care plants, when buying and not ones needing high light and C02.

have a read of the pinned topics at the top, there are loads of info regarding plants in there.

 

[kng2bishop]

that is classed as a low light tank, don't leave your light on 24/7, you will get algae problems. The light needs to be on 8 hours max for a planted tank, they don't need anymore light. Low light tanks are very manageable, the plants will grow slower, however they will need less in the way of C02 and ferts as the light is so low. Saying that, i would still add liquid carbon and Tropica plant nutrition plus. Just remember to get easy care plants, when buying and not ones needing high light and C02.

have a read of the pinned topics at the top, there are loads of info regarding plants in there.

Thanks, I feel more optimistic that my plants will survive. I'll look into the supplements.

 

[kng2bishop]

Anybody know why a company would sell an Aqueon Aquarium Kit 29 gallons with a T8 17 watt light fixture and then begin to tell you of the joys of live plants?

The light fixture is called a "reflector". Am I actually getting more light because of this?