i would like to know whether u guys on yr lights throughout the 8 or 12 hours or u guys got break in between like.. on 4 hours break 2 hours then 4 hours light again...
is there a difference if i on 8 hrs stright or 4hrs break2hr then anopher 4 hrs??
from what i've read, and in the dennerle algae control book...
the lighting with intervals are usually used at the startup of a planted tank. this is to prevent the algae from growing as therez usually an abundance of nutrients in a new tank...
i have my lights on 10 hours a day...
Oh is it.
The excess nutrient is probably from leeching of base fertilizer while setting up...The best way is to do more water changes during the early stages..(helps to keep ammonia, nitrite and nitrate level within safety limits) [] ...Lighting to me should be continuous as plants needs to warm up for sometime before they can begin to photosynthesis actively. Cutting the lights in between sort of breaks the momentum.
Plant Physiology by Taiz and Zeiger
ahhh but then the algae is what you want to control when you are using the interval lighting. as its for tank starting up.----------------
On 11/23/2002 10:44:52 PM
The excess nutrient is probably from leeching of base fertilizer while setting up...The best way is to do more water changes during the early stages..(helps to keep ammonia, nitrite and nitrate level within safety limits) [
----------------
my lighting timing is 8-12pm, off till 5pm, then on till 11pm... there r a few school of thghts, some say that in between blackout will breaks the momentum. while other thinks that it breaks the momentum of algae growth. my timing has nothing to do with preventing algae, its for my viewing pleasure when i come home and still get to see my tanks.. I used to think 'siesta' works, but I have my doubts
imo, it breaking in between will break the momentum of algae, the same effect will happen to the plants. my plants bubbles with 1 hours after the lights goes on
I feel it's all about balance. A good proven method of controlling algae is to strenghten the plants so that they would overcome the algae. That's why it's good to take care of your plants. Having said this, it would be a good idea to have a continuos lighting period.
Anyway, I have tried this siesta method and it did not help significantly for my algae problem the last time I tried it.
I am very new to this hobby and I also practise the siesta method.
My lights come on from 0700-1200 and then 1600-2100hrs.
I use this routine because I found that my taiwan moss (from NA) turned brown if I leave my 6x36W lights on continuously for 10hrs (4ft tank). I figured that in the mid-day, it is the hottest and by turning off the lights, it will help to cool the water.
This routine also gives me a chance to see my tank before and after work. And with the fans on 24hrs a day, my java and taiwan moss is growing like hell..
I am now trying to plant Christmas moss.. the few stalks I get from Ah Pek looks more like Java than Christmas.. (but then I got it for free so I cannot complaint).
Does anyone out there have one small patch of Christmas for me to try?
Nicky,
My lighting period is 1700-0100 hrs. I choose this timing is bcos I'm home after work and I want to view my tank. May I know why you have chosen this timing cos if your lights are off at 2100hrs, you won't be able to view your tank rite?
sherwin, I think that some plant maybe able to perceive the true time of day beyond just lighting. My timing is 1300-2300 but I notice my gratiola would start closing their foliage around 1900 early evening, regardless that the lights are going full blaze. I heard from some others that they also experience this and also noticed in other plants like the red cabomba.
why I don't do garden hybrids and aquarium strains: natural species is a history of Nature, while hybrids are just the whims of Man.
hexazona · crumenatum · Galleria Botanica
hmm interesting... will try to take more notice on my gratiola.. meanwhile i think i will stick with 8hrs stright without any break..----------------
On 11/24/2002 1:46:42 AM
sherwin, I think that some plant maybe able to perceive the true time of day beyond just lighting. My timing is 1300-2300 but I notice my gratiola would start closing their foliage around 1900 early evening, regardless that the lights are going full blaze. I heard from some others that they also experience this and also noticed in other plants like the red cabomba.
----------------
[
yup, agree... by for my some of my stemmed plants, they close up ard 10pm.. my ludwigia sp. only closes up after lights off.. and even during lights off in the afternoon, the leaves stays open (all my stemmed plants)----------------
On 11/24/2002 1:46:42 AM
sherwin, I think that some plant maybe able to perceive the true time of day beyond just lighting. My timing is 1300-2300 but I notice my gratiola would start closing their foliage around 1900 early evening, regardless that the lights are going full blaze. I heard from some others that they also experience this and also noticed in other plants like the red cabomba.
----------------
---------------------
Nicky,
My lighting period is 1700-0100 hrs. I choose this timing is bcos I'm home after work and I want to view my tank. May I know why you have chosen this timing cos if your lights are off at 2100hrs, you won't be able to view your tank rite?
Cheers!!
--------------------
Sherwin,
the reason why I choose 0700-1200 and 1600-2100hrs is because the place I put my tank does have some indirect (reflected) sunlight. I tried to shed the lights using curtains but the tank is still slightly illuminated at daybreak. I figured that if I adopt a lighting routine like yours, I may not give my plants enough rest because when day-breaks, the reflected lights from the window gets to the tanks.
Using my lighting routine typically only allows me to watch my tank a few minutes in the morning and 1 hr at night (from 2000-2100). Then I make up for lost time by staring at my tank all my waking hours of the Sat and Sun (well almost).. that's why my wife was pissed with me until I bought lots of cardinal and rummynose.. now she stares at the tank with me..
The Ancient Mariner
simon and hwchoy
not really so with regard to stemmed plants...if the tank or plant in question is in a location where there is no sign of daylight, then it is possible to 'trick' the plant into time schedule that one has set....if the tank happens to be near window then it is another question.
[email protected]
----------------------------------------------------------
The title below my name does not make me a guru...listen at your own risk!...
Simon/hwchoy,
I'm not sure about this as I have very little experience with stem plants. What I understand is that plants will naturally adapt themselves to condition to survive. Those that cannot cope will eventually 'die' off. For example, a high demading plant that is shaded will somehow grow in such a way to get more light by either growing over whatever is shading him or growing sideways. I've seen plants propagating to another spot so that they do not have to compete with another nutrient hungry plant. It's just a way to survival.
My point is, whatever your method of lighting, the plants would somehow adapt to it. Actually I'm quite skeptical that the plants would know the actual sunset time and stop photosynthesis. I'm wondering why would plants stop photosythesis when there is still light source. Don't get me wrong, I'm not denying it, juz that it don't really sound 'natural'. (Don't flame me please)
And it's quite strange that Simon's plants will shutoff at 2200hrs which maybe sunset in another part of the world. For me I believe that in my tank daytime is when the lights are on and nightime during lightsoff, full stop.
Juz my opinion
david, when yr e. stellata grow... then see for yrself, it cld be they know when the lights is going off
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks