CyprusSteve
New Member
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2005
- Messages
- 52
- Reaction score
- 0
Hi all,
In both my tanks I have two fluorescent tubes - one for "normal" daylight, and one more expensive one for " plant growth" - (please don't ask the tube details - I cannot read them
) . The tubes can be switched on and off independently.
Both my tanks have natural plants, and both are mixed peaceful community.
Below are my current stocking levels.
Small tank - 65 cm x 40cm x 45cm - This tank has a "side" filter unit - the measurements I have given are purely for fish swimming space, NOT including the filter area.
4 x Platy – Male
10 x Neon Tetra
10 x Serpae Tetra
4 x Bronze Coryodora
Large tank - 100cm x 50cm x 50 cm - This tank has a "box" type top filter unit - plus an external filter fitted in the underneath cabinet. The measurements I have given are purely for fish swimming space, NOT including the filter area.
7 x Dwarf Gourami
20 x Neon Tetra
10 x Rummy Nose Tetra
10 x Cardinal Tetra
4 x Bronze Coryodora
PLUS - Two Discus to be added tomorrow.
I have done my calculations re stocking levels for pro rata size on the Community Creator site - ( http
/www.thinkfish.co.uk/joined.html ) and it appears from this that I am well understocked, so, no problems there.
All the fish seem happy, healthy, and active.
I use a dual magnet to clean the glass - ( I do not like the sucking catfish ) - I find it very effective for this job,
I hope all the above is clear, and I would welcome views as to "lighting up times " , and, on restricting algae growth on plants.
I have only been keeping fish for about 6 weeks, and, I realise that I have lots to learn - albeit I am trying hard to improve my knowledge.
My Nitrogen cycle is completed - zero readings for Ammonia and Nitrite, and traces of Nitrate only just beginning, although have read that live plants help in keeping nitrate levels down - is this true ?
My Ph is always between 6.5 to 7 - temperature around 27-28, sometimes rising to 29 - I live in the Mediterrannean, so, sometimes difficult to keep the ambient temperature below 29 even with the AC on.
My question is this.
How many hours a day should I keep the lights on ?- I have read that it should be about 50% on - 50 % off - but, also, that it is a good idea to turn the lights off when I am not at home in order to restrict algae growth on the plants.
I have not had algae growth on the plants as yet, and I have little knowledge of plants - but, I would obviously like to restrict algae growth providing this is not harmful to the fish.
I hope I have given you sufficient information to advise me.
Thanks,
Steve
B)
In both my tanks I have two fluorescent tubes - one for "normal" daylight, and one more expensive one for " plant growth" - (please don't ask the tube details - I cannot read them
) . The tubes can be switched on and off independently.Both my tanks have natural plants, and both are mixed peaceful community.
Below are my current stocking levels.
Small tank - 65 cm x 40cm x 45cm - This tank has a "side" filter unit - the measurements I have given are purely for fish swimming space, NOT including the filter area.
4 x Platy – Male
10 x Neon Tetra
10 x Serpae Tetra
4 x Bronze Coryodora
Large tank - 100cm x 50cm x 50 cm - This tank has a "box" type top filter unit - plus an external filter fitted in the underneath cabinet. The measurements I have given are purely for fish swimming space, NOT including the filter area.
7 x Dwarf Gourami
20 x Neon Tetra
10 x Rummy Nose Tetra
10 x Cardinal Tetra
4 x Bronze Coryodora
PLUS - Two Discus to be added tomorrow.
I have done my calculations re stocking levels for pro rata size on the Community Creator site - ( http
/www.thinkfish.co.uk/joined.html ) and it appears from this that I am well understocked, so, no problems there.All the fish seem happy, healthy, and active.
I use a dual magnet to clean the glass - ( I do not like the sucking catfish ) - I find it very effective for this job,
I hope all the above is clear, and I would welcome views as to "lighting up times " , and, on restricting algae growth on plants.
I have only been keeping fish for about 6 weeks, and, I realise that I have lots to learn - albeit I am trying hard to improve my knowledge.
My Nitrogen cycle is completed - zero readings for Ammonia and Nitrite, and traces of Nitrate only just beginning, although have read that live plants help in keeping nitrate levels down - is this true ?
My Ph is always between 6.5 to 7 - temperature around 27-28, sometimes rising to 29 - I live in the Mediterrannean, so, sometimes difficult to keep the ambient temperature below 29 even with the AC on.
My question is this.
How many hours a day should I keep the lights on ?- I have read that it should be about 50% on - 50 % off - but, also, that it is a good idea to turn the lights off when I am not at home in order to restrict algae growth on the plants.
I have not had algae growth on the plants as yet, and I have little knowledge of plants - but, I would obviously like to restrict algae growth providing this is not harmful to the fish.
I hope I have given you sufficient information to advise me.
Thanks,
Steve
B)
