Big Riccia Question + FL vs PL Lighting

[joachimsim]

Hey bros,

2 Questions...

I recently bought a Wire Mesh of Big Riccia from Bio Plast in Boon Keng. I was told you don't need chiller nor special requirements for it

However on putting the mesh in my 2 feet..the next day a patch of it turn brown and wither away...now it seems to be increasing dying...

Help that cost me $10!

Oh yes I have been learning much abt lighting needs from Takashi's books as well as veteran Planters here and its seems the consensus is that PL lighting is cheaper and more efficient.

However, on my recent visits to PET SAFARI in Simei and Bio PLast I still realise all the nice tanks that support good growth use FL tubes as much as they can be accomodated in the tanks.

The Set Up specialist explained to me that Amano's tanks need so many wattage cos of the weather.. HIs JEwel tanks only use 2 Tubes for a 3 Footer for example.

I have seen riccia growing nicely with just 1 FL in Bio Plast .

Brings me back to the question? If I want to follow the same wattage of PL tube for my 2FT tank ( 72 W ) for example I ahve to have at least 4 Tubes or more.which CANNOT fit in by common sense,

and BTW< has anyone used the Cheap HItachi FL DAYLIGHT tubes I see at $2.50 at NTUC for planted tanks?

[budak]

Big riccia aka pellia aka monosolenium tenerum is actually easier to grow and simpler to maintain than actual riccia.... once it gets accustomed to your tank..... i grow it in both a high light + CO2 tank and in a low light no CO2 tank (no chiller). Some initial browning is common but leave it alone and if your tank parameters are ok for other plants, it should regrow after a while.

[juggler]

Joachim: Here's my old 2ft DIY hood from air-con trunking housing 4x18W FL lights. The conventional ballasts are placed remotely away from tank. Of course, if you are short of space, then use PL lights.

[joachimsim]

What lights are they Juggler..? From Aquarium Shops or those at normal electrical stores that says Day light at least?

The funny thing is 1 year down the road in being active in these forums..I still haven"t a clue how to DIY lights...as I do not know how to get the parts...and wire them etc..plus I don;t have drill..

[CT]

Hello Joachimsim, I have use the 'Cheap HItachi FL DAYLIGHT tubes" before for my 2 ft tank. It is quite ok. But convert to PL eventually as the intensity of the FL reduced quite signficant after 3 months.