Planted lighting

Hi All.

Firstly, let me apologise if this has been discussed or asked before. I did see a post similar back in 2020 but thought I would ask anyways. Maybe something has changed regarding experience and with newer tech.

I want to run a low tech 3ft tank (21gal) and working under a tight budget unfortunately for now. From my understanding, I would need 1w per gallon with a 6500k rating. I want to use very easy/hardy plants and it will be light to moderately planted at the most.

Can I use 2 x 10W LED floodlights rated at 6500K? Or would you suggest maybe 2 x 20w or even 1 x 50w? It is a very narrow tank ie. 90 x 30 x30. Plan on mounting them about 20cm above water level.

Thank you all

 

Thank you bud!!

 

Hi guys
Any advice on how high a floodlight should be above the water/or substrate for "adequate" lighting? I have 2 x 10w (6500K) lights with a 120 deg spread. As mentioned, plants are going to be mainly beginner plants for now but with Seachem flourite substrate.

 

Can flood lights grow red plants?

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Yes they can the light is a small part but more about iron in your substrate. But yes I grow red plants with led lights all the time

 

So if I want to set up a 60cm tank, will 1 x 30W suffice

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Rather go with 2 x 15W and spread them out

 

Also not to close to the water. Flood lights can cause algae to grow fast if to close very strong lights

 

Noted with thanks

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