advice needed n reduce lighting duration

[coolbucks]

hi all,

Can plants survice and control agles if under 4 hours duration of lighting with co2.. let say the tank spec. is in this way ;

lighting - 2x 80 watts t5 ho lighting(first switch on, second switch on 2 x 80 watts after the 2 tubes off.each light duration only 160 watts
before inject co2 - 7.2
after co2 inject - 6.8
Kh - 4
tank size : 5.5ft by 2ft by 2.2 ft
Plants - java fern, e. tenellus, downnoi, crypt,carpet,nana,tiger lotus....

[AquaObsession]

I think the normal photo period is 6+ hours. However, seems that your plants are hardy. However, beware the without adequate lights the E.tenellus will tend to grow taller. I still think your java fern, crypts and nana will do ~okay~ with 4 hours of lights. Not sure about the downoi, carpet?? and tiger lotus.

Can't you hit 6 hours? Because of your aro is it?

[vinz]

As I mentioned in your other thread, don't worry too much about the arowana. You just won't get gold crossing the back, that's all.

I had an RTG for 2 years under bright lights in a planted tank and it never bothered it much.

Go with 10 hours x 2 tubes and 6 hours x 4 tubes, and your plants should be fine. If you reduce the lighting period too much, the types of plants you can keep will be limited. Plus rotting dying plants will probably do more harm to your arowana then light. Keep the plants healthy and they will keep the water good for your fish.

If you are really worried about the arowana, then just cut down to 2 tubes for 12 to 10 hours and limit yourself to low light plants. A shorter photo period will do more harm than low light intentsity.

[coolbucks]

I think the normal photo period is 6+ hours. However, seems that your plants are hardy. However, beware the without adequate lights the E.tenellus will tend to grow taller. I still think your java fern, crypts and nana will do ~okay~ with 4 hours of lights. Not sure about the downoi, carpet?? and tiger lotus.

Can't you hit 6 hours? Because of your aro is it?

ya loh... worry about my cutie aro...that why concern about the duration of the lighting...