So you have decided to add plants to your aquarium. The next question you might ask is how do your light your tank?
For most applications, the simple and efficient way is to use fluorescent lamps. There are other choices such as metal halides or LEDs, but fluorescents are currently the most efficient both in terms of cost and output. When it comes to fluorescents there are also several choices, but the best choice, again in terms of efficiency are T-5 fixtures.
The popular thinking is to use about 2 to three watts per gallon, but more current information indicates that you can get by with just one to two watts per gallon. The trick is to supplement with CO2 gas. If you have an adequate supply of CO2, the plants can thrive with lower light levels. The added benefit of the lower light is that algae is less likely to thrive as well. Granted, gas CO2 systems are not inexpensive, but you should be able to make up the initial costs over time with your savings from the reduced electrical costs.
What do you think? Please leave a comment below.
November 25th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Good info. Another thing to consider is that higher light levels drive plant growth faster, necessitating heavier fertilizer regimens. Lower light tanks require less maintainance, and are easier to care for, especially for folks new to planted tanks.