Light set for 1ft cube?

[zenscape]

I am currently using a 9w PL x2 light set (bought from NA) for my 1 ft cube and find that the intensity is not high enough. The tank is supplied with pressurised co2. HC has been there for 6 weeks but I can't see any growth. Anyone can recommend any suitable alternative for light?

[Aquaspot World]

I am currently using a 9w PL x2 light set (bought from NA) for my 1 ft cube and find that the intensity is not high enough. The tank is supplied with pressurised co2. HC has been there for 6 weeks but I can't see any growth. Anyone can recommend any suitable alternative for light?

Your lights are fine. HC is naturally slow. You can still wait a little longer.

[Corleone]

Yea..HC is relatively slower..especially the conversion period from emersed to submerged form. But at your light rate, you might have some problems carpeting, as HC needs quite intense light to carpet otherwise they will just shoot up straight..

[kemp]

yup agree too. I was previously using HC as my foreground in my 1.5 feet tank. Had 36watts PL light. co2 supplied too. But the same happen to me too, my HC didn't crawl and end up growing real tall

[brianclaw]

I also find 18W is way too low for a 1ft cube. I was told that you can swap the 9W tubes out for 13W tubes by Mr Chan at NA. I've done it and I've noticed a tremendous difference in the growth of my plants.

[kemp]

brian, 18 watt for a 1feet tank might not necessary consider low, it actually depends on the type of plant that we would like to grow in it. For me, i've changed my 36watt light to 18watt for my 1.5 feet tank, plant growth are just excellent as well. Of course, i'm growing moss only.

[zenscape]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, the HC climbs upward after 6 weeks and i really think the light intensity is insufficient.

Brian, thanks for the idea. I just bought a 11w PL from DIY shop but only to find it is too long for 1ft casing. Waste money.

Is the length of the 13w PL suitable? if so I will get them from Chan.

[zenscape]

Hi, does anyone know whether the 13w PL for 1 ft sold by NA are those 2 pins and 2 u-tube type as shown in the sticky?? If so, I can get it from any DIY shop. However, I anticipate the problem of the existing light holders not able to secure this type of PL light. On the other hand, I can't find any 13w PL with 2 pins with just one u-tude.

I went to NA today but a notice on the door said that they will be off until Friday.

[brianclaw]

Hi Kemp,

I'm currently running 36W(2 x 18W) on a 1.5ft with nothing, but moss, java ferns, nana petite and MM that somehow crept into my tank with great success. This is a non CO2 tank. You'll find that the 3W per gallon rule does not really apply to smaller tanks. When I suggested he change the light to about 26W, I was actually going by a different rule, which can be found on Rex Grigg's site. I find his rule makes a lot more sense than the watt per gallon rule.

Zenscape - The 13W tubes that I used were bought from NA, I didn't check to see if they were the same as the ones readily available in hardware shops. You might want to double check the length and pin connectors before buying them.