Effect of too much light on low light plants

[Trisaro]

Hi,

I am setting a mini tank of around 10 litres and will be lighting it up with a 11W PL light. Based on the light energy calculation, it is more than 4 WPG. As I will not be using CO2 and only looking at low light plants such as Ferns, nanas, java, marimo etc, will the high energy light affect their growth ? Will putting some floating plants like frogbits to block off some of the light help ?

[Loopy]

Hi Trisaro,

Can you post a link to the brand or a picture of how your light looks like? I am interested

To answer your question, it is slightly high, but is it a problem? It all depends how you manage it. For me having slightly higher lighting is "manageable" and it all depends on what you do. And here is what I do.

What I do:

1.) Lessen the photo-period to coincide with when I am around or when I am about to get home so that I can enjoy it.

2.) Depending on your light, if it has a protective plastic layer, I take a very fine-gauged sand paper and wet sand it till it "clouds-up" a bit. You have one shot at this and please don't throw your light at me if it screws up. Go practice on a clear plastic first.

3.) If you feel like it, get a new light if you are unsure.

4.) Block up some light as you suggested with plants. There are a many plants to do this.

Oh and one more thing, are you dosing with Excel? Or at least planning to? Unless you are going to keep shrimp or some livestock, careful with that.

[blue33]

For tank size less than 2ft, W/G does not apply anymore. Amano 1ft cube tank is using 27W. I'm using 103W on 2ft(95l) tank, not yet minus the soil, woods and etc..

[Loopy]

Oh?! That's interesting. I just posted about how there are exceptions to the rules. Thanks blue33.

[Trisaro]

Hi,

thanks to all the replies. . The light is a Boyu clip on light http://www.boyuaquarium.com/en_Artic...ArticleID=1514
. There is no plastic cover and the PL lamp is exposed.

As for the Excel, hmmm...considering it if deciding on CO2 as this will be the only choice. If follow the instruction on dosing amount should be no problem right ? Yes there is plan to add shrimps and fishes....

[ghim]

For nano tanks. CO2 injection is not really required. Excel? I would advise not to.

I have a shrimp tank about your tank size, using 5w PL light. Which I do not inject CO2 or Excel. And also no fertilizer regime. Main reason is due to the shrimps inside.

Dont need to worry about the 11w vs 2.65gallon thingie.

All my moss, spiky, us fissiden and willow are growing fine. Even riccia grows well.

I prefer slow growth for nano tanks. You will find out the reason soon

[michaelmah]

Yes, you are right. Ghim

My 4 gallon nano tank, with some diy co2....the plant need to trimming every week as they grow like crazy even some grow high and higher nad cant fit there and need to throw away as limited space.

[Goondoo]

The 3wpg is just a basic guideline for standard sized tanks. You need more lights if the tank is taller or less lights when tanks are shorter. For example, I believe most lights (other than MH) are not able to penetrate sufficiently for more than 2.5ft height, even if the tank is is just 2ft wide/deep. When your tank is shorter, like say 1ft, your plants will enjoy more light intensity/lumens from the lower source even if it is 6ft wide/deep.

Give it a thought.

[Trisaro]

For nano tanks. CO2 injection is not really required. Excel? I would advise not to.

I have a shrimp tank about your tank size, using 5w PL light. Which I do not inject CO2 or Excel. And also no fertilizer regime. Main reason is due to the shrimps inside.

Dont need to worry about the 11w vs 2.65gallon thingie.

All my moss, spiky, us fissiden and willow are growing fine. Even riccia grows well.

I prefer slow growth for nano tanks. You will find out the reason soon

If like your case with even Riccia able to flourish under a 5W light without CO2 or fertilizer, then perhaps will follow your method. Thanks bro!

[Petia]

u can get a small piece of egg crate (light diffuser) from LFS. Just let it sit on top of the tank under the clip on light. I prefer black color as it gives a dimmer effect.

[Loopy]

Do you want the Riccia to pearl? If so, you are going to need a bit of CO2. But choose plants that are slow growers. I have a Riccia/Fisseden tank at work.

If like your case with even Riccia able to flourish under a 5W light without CO2 or fertilizer, then perhaps will follow your method. Thanks bro!

[blue33]

... Your tank depth is so shallow, no wonder pearling everywhere, you try the depth >36cm tank, you sure need lots of light and long hour to make it pearl. Btw your plant is lacking nutrients.

[WiNd08]

for me, i have nana which are low lights plants.

some of them are under shelter from other taller plants while some are under direct lighting. those under direct lighting have got green spot algae on them! but problem seems to improve with better circulation and CO2 injection

[Trisaro]

So far my plants are ok with the strong light but hair algae is starting to appear...another headache.

[Loopy]

... Your tank depth is so shallow, no wonder pearling everywhere, you try the depth >36cm tank, you sure need lots of light and long hour to make it pearl. Btw your plant is lacking nutrients.

Yes totally agree. I don't dose this tank much. It is more a tank for a fish I keep. And yes it is very easy to pearl it.

I have a 2FT with some token Riccia in it. It never pearls!