Using T5HO for low-tech Non-CO2 tank

[winston77]

Will T5HO (2x39W) lighting be too strong for a low-tech non-CO2 tank?

Tank size is 3x1.5x1.5ft.

Or alternatively 2x25W T8 lighting be sufficient?

Any advice?

[valice]

As long as there is a heavy plant mass, it is not a problem.
I am using 2x24W T5HO for a 2ft non-co2 tank...
Plants growing beautifully with little algae... GSA here and there when I feed too much...

[winston77]

I thought high lighting is not suitable for low-tech non-co2 tank?

High light = high nutrient intake... since there are not much nutrients in a low-tech tank, high-light may induce algae to grow...

I read that low-tech tank uses 1~2wpg of lighting, but T5HO does not obey that rule. So like to know if it is still suitable...

[valice]

High plant mass will negate the effect of low nutrient uptake.
My whole tank is plants... Also, I have floating plants to block out some of the light...

[spinex]

As long as there is a heavy plant mass, it is not a problem.
I am using 2x24W T5HO for a 2ft non-co2 tank...
Plants growing beautifully with little algae... GSA here and there when I feed too much...

So for your non-co2 tank do you still dose fert regularly ?

[valice]

Nope... as and when I like it only... and if I do, it is only a pinch of KNO3 and KH2PO4...
stick in a couple of Ferka tabs for the crypts and Vallisneria americana 'natans'

[wasabi8888]

Hi

As Valice said, the tanks needs to be billed with plants... and from what valice told me, it's REALLY filled with plants...

[MECH]

Will T5HO (2x39W) lighting be too strong for a low-tech non-CO2 tank?

Tank size is 3x1.5x1.5ft.

Or alternatively 2x25W T8 lighting be sufficient?

Any advice?

IMO i think T5 is fine