Amazon Swords, Lights, and wattage...?

[RKbusy]

Hello! Just wanted to say right away, I'm very new to this, so sorry if I ask something that seems very obvious.

For our new 38 gallon tank (dimensions are 36W x 12D x 20H), I'm struggling with how many watts of light I need for it. Primarily, I'm just concerned about the Amazon Swords. So I have root tab fertilizers for them, but then I was reading that they need 10-12 hours of "good light". How much exactly is good light?

Because right now, the only bulb I can find is the 20watt 24" florescent one form the pet store. And that comes out to not even 1watt per gallon of water! So then obviously... I somehow need to stack 2 bulbs into 1 light strip? I was reading about how you can buy "florescent starters" and rig your strip to hold more than 1 bulb... but then my problem is that even with 2x20watts. It's still only a little over 1 watt/gallon.

So can I somehow get THREE bulbs in a single strip?! Or is there a simpler solution I just don't know about?

Any help would be appreciated! My poor Swords will thank you too!

[Darth]

lighting is a big discussion, because there are so many different types, different lights penetrate to different depths, give off different spectrums of lights. First off, you are not gonna get 3 bulbs into a single florescent fixture. If you want more lights have to upgrade your fixture. So you have to figure out your budget as lighting can get expensive. The bulbs should be replaced every 8 months even if they are not blow, as the spectrum the light gives off will diminsish. There are a lot of others on here who keep planted tanks, and I am sure they can offer you a lot more insight.


Welcome to ovas!

[fischkopp]

Most amazon swords are not very demanding when it comes to light. From experience, the one bulb you are referring to is sufficient. More light (amount) will mean faster growth, but also higher demand on nutrients and greater susceptibility to algae problems. Keep the light amount low and you won't have to worry about these too much in the beginning; the root tabs will do the job. The light duration should be between 8-12 hours. Most of my planted tanks get 8 hours.

[RKbusy]

Gah. This is why I never know what to do. There's always different suggestions on what to do.

But just a simple 20watt bulb would make things MUCH easier! LOL. And I guess if I notice the swords getting brown, or see-through, then I should consider adding more light?

Either way, thanks for the advice! And if anyone else has any other suggestions on how to make them thrive, please tell me.

[Darth]

honestly I would go with what the guys with planted tanks suggest, just make sure your bulbs are not over 8 months old. As fishkopp suggests your light should be fine with your fertilizer so I would go with that

[RKbusy]

Thanks for the reassurance! I will definitely be going with what fischkopp suggested (and everyone confirmed!).

Got all the plants in, placed the tablets. Filter and heater are both running. ^_^ Now I'm trying to convince my mom that cloudy water is pretty normal, and that NO, we can't get any fish yet. And not tomorrow either! 

[Laura]

While not your question, if you add some grungy filter material from one of your established tanks, it will help to cycle your new tank and likely deal with your cloudiness issue.

Welcome by the way!

There are some great low light plants that can look fantastic. Java fern and moss, along with african fern are all good standbys. They all like to be tied to driftwood as opposed to being planted in the substrate.