Need help with lighting! PLEASE!

[paradiddle]

Hey,

So i just rescaped my 40L tank, and planted rather heavily, i bought tropica 1-2 grow plants and used their (overpriced) soil, everything is planted and the neons love their new home... BUT...
The tank i am using is a love fish/interpet 40L panoramic, the LED's dont appear to be bright enough to encourage plant growth, with this being a "hooded" tank, does anyone have any suggestions about what to do to get some better lighting to the plants?

I was thinking of some of those waterproof LED strip lights off ebay, just run through the inside of the lid, but i read somewhere they aren't strong enough for plant growth, HELP!

P.s. 1) cannot remove the lid, its firmly attached and also contains the wiring and plug-in for the filter.
2) not overly concerned on price, as long as its not silly money and works.

Thanks!

 

[Colin_T]

Can you cut the top of the lid off? If so you could hang a 50watt LED spotlight above the tank.
If not, then perhaps a couple of LED spotlights on stands in front of the tank. Have them above and angle towards the front. I won't look pretty but will provide sufficient light for the plants. You can turn them off or move them when you want to watch the fish.

 

[paradiddle]

Can you cut the top of the lid off? If so you could hang a 50watt LED spotlight above the tank.
If not, then perhaps a couple of LED spotlights on stands in front of the tank. Have them above and angle towards the front. I won't look pretty but will provide sufficient light for the plants. You can turn them off or move them when you want to watch the fish.

Hmm, the filter is powered by the internal electrics of the hood, and since the framework accompanies the hood, even if i was to remove it its got all sorts of grooves etc in it, it wouldnt allow me to easily use a HOB filter
Im considering buying one of those LED bars that can be mounted on the frame, but just buy a slightly larger one and just rest it over the top during the day to get decent lights to the plants, really regret buying the tank a couple years back, but space wont allow me to get much bigger at the moment =(

 

[Ch4rlie]

Hmm, the only led I really trust and actually use are aquael leddy tubes, I use 3w sunny on my 5 gal shrimp tank and that grows balansae crypts and good for anubias and Java fern, really is good little led.

Perhaps you could fit one or two 6w leddy tubes and see how that goes. They are fairly bright lights and you probably can modify the hood slightly to accommodate these leddy tubes somehow.

You don’t mention what plants you are attempting to grow so am unsure if 6 or even 12w of led would be enough for a 10 gal tank.

Just my two cents worth anyway.

But otherwise I’d suggest 2x 15w T8 lights as these are the only ones I can think that may fit a 2 foot tank if you have a standard 10 gal.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Hmm, the only led I really trust and actually use are aquael leddy tubes, I use 3w sunny on my 5 gal shrimp tank and that grows balansae crypts and good for anubias and Java fern, really is good little led.

Perhaps you could fit one or two 6w leddy tubes and see how that goes. They are fairly bright lights and you probably can modify the hood slightly to accommodate these leddy tubes somehow.

You don’t mention what plants you are attempting to grow so am unsure if 6 or even 12w of led would be enough for a 10 gal tank.

Just my two cents worth anyway.

But otherwise I’d suggest 2x 15w T8 lights as these are the only ones I can think that may fit a 2 foot tank if you have a standard 10 gal.

Btw I don’t trust these led stick on strips to be worth anything for plant growth really.

 

[IHaveADogToo]

Btw I don’t trust these led stick on strips to be worth anything for plant growth really.

I've tried it, and it's junk. I ended up reinstalling the fluorescent lamp after making such a big deal out of replacing it with an LED strip.

 

[Fin & Feather]

This would be a partial/temporary or longer fix to buy you time and provide your plants adequate light for most aquatic plants.
1) Buy a flexible arm clamp socket and/or stand lamp and set it up near your tank. Put in GE LED Bright Stick light bulbs 6 watt,40 equivalent (daylight version rather than warm) I have the old school screw in bulb type hoods on one of my tanks. These light stick bulbs give out proper plant light illumination without adding much extra heat. For a fully planted 10 gallon you would need two. Or for one light fixture go with the 10 watt/60 equivalent. Arrange the lights at both sides of your aquarium or back about 4-5 inches or closer to tank walls. Alternate the placement of your lights or angling.I have an wide array of aquatic plants and they have grown fine and produced off shoots and runners with these lights. You I run most of my various aquariums on timers. (Lights only) You can buy and find flexible arm lamps reasonably at thrift or discount stores. Maybe friends or relatives have one you can borrow. OR run 2 compact fluorescent bulbs: 3 watt T2 2700 Kelvin. I have grown plants successfully in 10 gallon with these. I have currently run that tank now with GE bright sticks for about 7 years. Either or the following grow plants fine.

2)24 inch Fluorescent tube.Daylight F15. T8. I have grown plants in a heavily planted tank with these also. I also have an old style aquarium hood with fluorescent fixture. The plastic light fixtures for wall or ceiling mounting (in black or walnut aren't bad looking.) Lean it against your tank front or back. Go to your local hardware store and find someone knowledgeable to give you mounting ideas and hardware. There are also flexible clamp or free standing fluorescent lamps.

3) I have read that Nicrew 8 inch 3 watt LED submersible light strip can grow aquatic plants. About $10. For a heavily planted tank your size; I would go with 2 or 3 of these. OR go with a combination of lights to cover a broader spectrum of light. Their shorter length allows for versatile placement. I am currently a month in with a Mingdak 12 LED flexible arm overhead light for a small 5 gallon. So far the plants seem fine, but while not great exposure I do have natural light help.
4) That is another option. It is a hassle and you just rescaped but moving your tank closer to, but not too close and not where tank will be receiving direct sunlight. Remove your fish, and much of your water to a CLEAN 5 gallon bucket and your floor medium and plants to another container that fits them with enough water to cover them.
I will do more research and let you know. Sometimes in their ads it isn't clear if the wattage is indicative of AC adapter or the light strength. The light wattage can often vary from the adapter strength as is necessary.

 

[Fin & Feather]

You shouldn't have an algae problem with all the extra lights as it sounds like you have many plants to out compete the algae for resources. But if you do: Nerite Snails are Great algae eaters, but they won't consume your plants.
I have Water Wisteria, broad and narrow leaf Ludvigia, Anubias, Crypts, Sagitaria, dwarf Valisnaria. All have been growing great and reproducing for years using the GE LED Bright Sticks with 2 of my aquariums. That is penetrating the splash guard glass too. And previous to that compact fluorescent bulbs. A third tank growing plants successfully with 1 or 2 fluorescent tubes depending how many plants. I mentioned the specs on the lights in the earlier post. The fourth tank has 12 miniature LEDs Mingdak and natural light. The plants are not bending toward the natural light and seem to be doing fine about a month in.
**Nicrew LED Aquarium Light 18 watt (specified light strength) for planted tanks 18-24 inch tanks. Multi-color lights for full spectrum plant absorption. The adjustable bracket looks to be for top mounting. You could put in back and use short 2x4 shims at either end to prop it up. Amazon.com $30. Probably get it at EBay too. I will read the Amazon reviews on it.
***Miracle Grow LED Grow light bulb for standard socket. I think it was 12w/150 watt equivalent. 5000 Kelvin. $20.
If I can grow beaucoup plants with my GE Bright Stick 6watt 2/pack for $10. Equaling 12watt/80watt equivalent. You might do fine with the Miracle Grow Bulb. It is supposed to be cool to the touch. Just find a lamp with shade or housing that protects your side of it. (Eyes) My 2 Bright Stick 40s are comfortable for the eyes.
****Here is the site for an interesting article on NASA research in praise of LED Lighting for Plant Growth.
https://advancedlights.com/blog/technology/nasa-research-optimum-light-wavelenths-plantgrowth

 

[Fin & Feather]

The reviews of the Nicrew 18watt, 20-24" LED Planted Aquarium light bar with multi-color, full spectrum? were good.
* One reviewer wrote that he grew plants well with this light bar in tall 20 gallon tank. Which has more depth/heighth than a ten gallon/40L.
** A lady wrote she grew Baby Tears with it, which are pretty tiny and close to the tank floor.
*** Mounting clips are meant for top mounting on a tank rim. Looks like you could mount it on back with 4/suction cup airline (small) clamps(wetted), or heat up large clamps to fit. If needed could fit a small block under each end to bolster.
**** I don't know how bright it would be for tank viewing. Tinted mylor (like for car windows) cut to fit and a spot of glue or tank sealer at each corner? Test different samples for darkness first. You might still want to see some color in your fish. OR
***** Attach a visor, the length of the light bar angled down. Experiment with cardboard first.