What Is The Dimmest Light I Can Get

[MrNiceGuy]

I have these tetras that generally stay at the bottom of the tank until night when the lights are out. I'm thinkin a dimmer light would encourage them to be less timid. Its a 20 gallon long tank with lots of plants, but they're all low maintenance (ferns, swords, wisteria).. I'm not sure what type of wattage I have now but I feel like it could be dimmer. any thoughts?

 

[fatheadminnow]

Why not just get some blue LEDs that turn on at night for a couple hours after your main lights go out?

If not, messing with lights when you have live plants is not the best thing, unless you want to get more light. Light for an aquarium is rated in WPG (watts per gallons) for T8 lights. I would not go below 1 WPG. More realistically would be 1.5 WPG for a low-tech planted tank. The more light the better, your plants will grow better and faster. If you reduce the amount of light in your tank. your plants will not grow as well as before.

How long have you had your tetras? Odds are you just got them in the last couple weeks and they are still adapting to their new home. Once they are comfortable with their new home they should come out a lot more.

-FHM

 

[MrNiceGuy]

Why not just get some blue LEDs that turn on at night for a couple hours after your main lights go out?

If not, messing with lights when you have live plants is not the best thing, unless you want to get more light. Light for an aquarium is rated in WPG (watts per gallons) for T8 lights. I would not go below 1 WPG. More realistically would be 1.5 WPG for a low-tech planted tank. The more light the better, your plants will grow better and faster. If you reduce the amount of light in your tank. your plants will not grow as well as before.

How long have you had your tetras? Odds are you just got them in the last couple weeks and they are still adapting to their new home. Once they are comfortable with their new home they should come out a lot more.

-FHM

I've had the tetras for about 6 months now. theres 10 of them and plenty of shelter with quality water levels... but they just hang out near the bottom looking scared. its pretty annoying. I'll look into the blue LEDs but it sounds expensive. thanks

 

[ellena]

What about some floating plants to cut the light out a bit?

 

[Bobtastic]

I've just had a look on ebay and you can get a triple LED 12" moonlight kit for just over £20... You'll have to fit it yourself but it does come with a fitting guide by the looks of it.