Will the plants make it?

[Justikanz]

2 of my T5HO tubes were 'burnt in' into their sockets and could not be used... I will have to send the tube to the supplier directly or back to NA for repair before the warranty period ends. I was told it might take more than 2 weeks for the lights to return...

I am thinking that the plants (mostly crypts, with tenellus and some baclaya) will not like to have such a long period without any light source... and so was thinking of using a 2ft PL light (don't know how many watts, though) across the tank width...

But the problem I have now is: Is 1 PL tube enough? How many would be sufficient? Or should I just them go through the black out period?

[ranmasatome]

a 2 week black out period??? good luck... you need some light over that thing.

[Ibn]

That's too long of a time for a tank blackout. You'll notice the effects within a week.

Stick as many of those bulbs as you can find for the time being. Also tuck some substrate ferts into the bases of those plants since they're such heavy root feeders; it'll help.

[theodore]

What's the size of your tank?

The 3 types of plants you mentioned are not that demanding when it comes to lighting so you may be able to pull off with weaker lights (+ longer duration) for the next 2 weeks.

If possible, reduce the water level so that the weaker lights can penetrate the water column (esp. if your tank's height is > 45cm).

[|squee|]

Er, how come you're not considering buying 2 new tubes instead?

[avant]

He mentioned that they were "burnt" into the sockets. Probably got to replace the sockets as well.

[|squee|]

Ouch, then that's a bit of serious bad luck.

[bossteck]

Is your tank positioned to receive any natural lights?
I think as long as you give them the 2ft PL, coupled with natural light, they should be able to survive, but be prepared for crypt rot, and perhaps some algae.

Personally, I feel, no worries, they will come back strong once your lights are fixed.

Good luck!

--

What is a concern is, what had caused the tubes to have melted into their sockets... you should look into this. It could be dangerous (fire hazard perhaps?).

[diki]

Are you using the 2ft light that Jus just return to you? That is 36W PL light (noticed the watt when I helped returned to you). On your 3 ft tank, seems a little weak considering the height of your tank but your plants not that light demanding. May be able to get away with it for a while. Do reduce your water height as well for this period.

[Justikanz]

Hi, thanks all for the suggestions... I guess I have to 'beg, steal or borrow' some 2ft PLs to tide through then period...

Will drop the water level too

Btw, my tank is 4ft x 2ft x 2ft... Ibn, I am currently already using Root Monster, thanks!

Yes, Squeel, I have to send the entire light case with the tubes in it for the repair as (2 of out of 4 of) the plastic sides had melted and the tubes are stuck and can't be used at all now... Am currently using the other 2 T5HO tubes only...