I've got two 80watt T5's (10000k and AquaFlora) over my 60" long 100g planted tank.
To date I haven't been using Co2, but am using Excel - but have terrible algae growth and many of my plants are shrinking or disappearing. I started on a regime of liquid ferts which helped some of the plants start growing again, but the algae remains an issue. Withing 2 days after a WC, I have a full bloom reappear with or without ferts.
So it seems I've got too much light (and not enough Co2). Problem is that when using one bulb, the color isn't right (too white or red) and by my eye, there isn't enough light to grow anything.
I am wondering if there is a diffusion material I could place over the fixture to reduce the light or something I could put on the reflector surface that wouldn't damage the reflector or cause a fire to achieve that same end?
BTW - I've tried the 6700k with the 10000k and the lighting to my eye is far too yellow and blue. With the Aquaflora, I can achieve a nice balance of color that appears somewhat natural to the eye. I would've liked to try a 8000k bulb with the AF, but it seems they are only sold in the EU.
Thank you
To date I haven't been using Co2, but am using Excel - but have terrible algae growth and many of my plants are shrinking or disappearing. I started on a regime of liquid ferts which helped some of the plants start growing again, but the algae remains an issue. Withing 2 days after a WC, I have a full bloom reappear with or without ferts.
So it seems I've got too much light (and not enough Co2). Problem is that when using one bulb, the color isn't right (too white or red) and by my eye, there isn't enough light to grow anything.
I am wondering if there is a diffusion material I could place over the fixture to reduce the light or something I could put on the reflector surface that wouldn't damage the reflector or cause a fire to achieve that same end?
BTW - I've tried the 6700k with the 10000k and the lighting to my eye is far too yellow and blue. With the Aquaflora, I can achieve a nice balance of color that appears somewhat natural to the eye. I would've liked to try a 8000k bulb with the AF, but it seems they are only sold in the EU.
Thank you