Lighting ?'s

[hedgehog]

Hello, I have some questions about my lighting requirements.

I've recently purchased an Aquaone Regency 100 (100 cm's L x 40 W x 70 D). The system came with an Aquaone AL-30D light and reflector (2x30W) http/www.aquaone.co.uk/lighting_al_t8.php.

I'd like to get a good selection of plants growing, however I fear that my lights aren't suitable for this.

My questions are:

1) Is what I've got now suitable for live plants in the size tank I've got?

2) If the answer to 1 is No, then what can I do to improve the situation? Can I get dfferent tubes? Or, will I need a whole new lighting set?

Thanks for your help!

 

[nry]

That lighting gives you around 1wpg (your tank is 220 litres/~60 gallons) so:

1) Yes but only the ones that are OK in low light
2) For now I would suggest you stick to low light, upgrading your lighting will also require you to consider CO2, fertiliser and possibly some decent substrate: this all adds up to serious cash and often a serious time input.

I ran 1wpg for about 8 months and had no major issues with creating a lush aquarium. It is all about choosing the right substrate, light tubes and fertiliser.