Tropical Fish Forum
Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => Fish Tanks and Equipment => Topic started by: fishcake76 on October 27, 2014, 02:00:44 PM
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Hi!
I have an 11watt Aquael lighting module economy sunny in my 21 litre tank. i also have a lot of algae and some of my plants have lost all their leaves. could this be due to the lighting being to strong for the size of the tank??
here (http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mFfjVa5MkFJz_-hmOq7Fd7Q.jpg) is my current light.
should I invest in a lower wattage lighting module??
FC76
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The light is definitely not too strong for your tank. There's an old guideline about having a minimum of 2 watts per gallon for a planted tank. It's a guideline I hate, but it gives a ballpark figure. According to my calculations, you have 1.98W per gallon.
Look here (http://www.theplantedtank.co.uk/algae.htm) for a guide to types and causes of algae.
Look here (http://www.aquariumplantsandsupplies.com/blog/aquarium-tips/identifying-aquarium-plant-deficiencies/) for a guide to plants and their deficiencies for a guide to your plant problems.
Make sure your lights aren't on for more than 10-12 hours day maximum.
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Does your tank get sunlight - that seems to promote algae.
If the leaf-loss is the lower leaves of a plant then this is 'cos they're shaded by the upper leaves. This is very difficult to avoid and best disguised by planting things like crypts at the front/middle of the tank and the leaf-losers at the back so the bare stems are hidden.
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Thanks Guys!!
That's a relief I was not looking forward to more outlay on a new light!!! I'll check the links Steve as I have just ordered some new plants and some plant food (esha prophyll).
I do get sunlight in the tank in the mornings but only for about an hour and i don't put the lights on until midday then switch them off again between 7-8pm.
Some of the plants that had lost leaves have started to regrow, they were my newest ones, so i wonder if they were just settling in???
the algae i have most trouble with is green hair algae, but the esha 2000 treatment seems to have eradicated it, so fingers crossed it wont come back!!!!
FC76
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Many aquatic plants are actually grown by suppliers out of water (emerse) because they grow more quickly than underwater (submerse). The leaves that grow emerse are often slightly different from the ones that grow submerse and in the aquarium they will die away to be replaced by new ones more adapted to underwater. I'd wait and see if they regrow before getting rid of them.
Actual evidence, as opposed to popular opinion, is that algae are encouraged by excess nutrients rather than light. Although we worry about nitrites/nitrates because they may affect fish, water also contains phosphates and excess phosphate is the commonest cause of algae growth in ponds etc and there is no reason to suspect that it is any different in aquaria. Of course, if your plants begin to grow strongly they will also use the excess nutrients which should in turn reduce the algal growth. Adding plant fertiliser when the plants are not growing well can actually increase the algal problem ...................
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I noticed today that my Elodea densa has growth on it that is more lush than other parts. The ropey looking stuff is the old stuff. Just the same in the garden really- plants that I rescue from the 'reduced' corner put on lovely new growth after a while that replaces the original stuff.
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Got another lighting question chaps!!!!
i am looking at getting an isolation tank, just a small one of about 24 litres. the one I am looking at doesn't come with a light and I am thinking of getting this (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Flexible-Aquarium-Fish-Tank-LED-Clip-Light-Lighting-Lamp-White-Blue-28-48-lights-/350873410870?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&var=&hash=item51b1af5d36) light.
Firstly, do you know if this is any good? Secondly, would i be better to go for the 28 or the 48 LED lamp?
May decide against the tank and the light but would still appreciate your advice please.
Thanks,
FC76
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Hi fishcake, I wouldn't bother with a light for an isolation tank - the lower light levels could help reduce stress for new/poorly fish.
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dbaggie beat me to it!
You don't need a light. Sick fish are easily stressed and are better off in the dark. Well, room light which is a lot dimmer than a tank light. And if the fish needs treating, a lot of meds work better without the light on.
Since a hospital/quarantine tank is only used for a short time for any given fish, they don't need lights. Only if you want live plants in there. I always use plastic plants in a QT, and plastic decor too. They can be sterilised if necessary.
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Yes, good point!!!!
Perhaps I'll just get the tank for now and add lighting later if I want it!!
Food for thought! Thanks dbaggie and Sue!!! :D
FC76
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put the light on a timer and split your
lighting time up ie 9 till 12 then 2 till 10.30
you will find with to shorter photo periods
that it will cut down on your algae i would
also test for nitrates and phosphates it might
also be worth investing in some algae exit or some
easycarbo