This site is supported by the advertisements on it, please disable your AdBlocker so we can continue to provide you with the quality content you expect.
  1. We are after as many aquarium plant images that we can get, doing so will assist us in completing the aquarium plant database.

    https://barrreport.com/threads/aquatic-plant-images-wanted.14374/
    Dismiss Notice

WHat light to use for a 3 gallon?

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by PunkRotten, Sep 28, 2010.

  1. PunkRotten

    PunkRotten Junior Poster

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2010
    Messages:
    23
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    12:52 AM
    Hi guys,


    I'm planning to add some plants to my betta tank. Depth is about 8 inches. I will only be adding some floating plants like wisteria and maybe red root floaters. And I may plant 1 crypt plant, or dwarf anubias. What would you recommend for lighting? Also what would you recommend for a 10 or 20 gallon tank with a depth of 12 inches?


    Do you think I can grow dwarf hairgrass in a set up with only gravel? And say you have ferts and excel to help out. Thanks so much. :)
     
    #1 PunkRotten, Sep 28, 2010
  2. lightyear

    lightyear Prolific Poster

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2010
    Messages:
    52
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    12:52 AM
    1) for that size of tank and for those type of plant you've mentioned like anubias and some floating plant an 11 watts PL light will be enough. BUT if you will soon upgrade to some fancy carpet plants like HC or hairgrass you will be needing arround 24watts for that in my experience to prosper.

    2) for 10-20 gallons depnding on your plant load and type of plant but assuming they are light demanding I will recommend 36watts for 10 gallong and 55watts for the 20 gallon to give you medium to high light.

    3) i don't think you can grow hairgrass beautifull in carpet as seen in internet in gravel allone. you need a finer gravel or a substarte with good nutrients
     
    #2 lightyear, Sep 28, 2010
  3. Tug

    Tug Lifetime Charter Member
    Lifetime Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2009
    Messages:
    1,150
    Likes Received:
    9
    Local Time:
    12:52 AM
    I will be trying out the DYMAX Aquarium White LED 6000k Clamp Clip Lamp. Hopefully, I will be taking PAR readings as well. Of course this will be sometime down the road, but it looks as if it would be perfect for the 3 gallon tank that you described. Just be sure you get it from someone that sells it with the 110 - 230V Adaptor.

    For your other tanks this chart was based on PAR readings. I think this was put together by VaughnH, but I can't find the OP.
    [​IMG]
     
    #3 Tug, Sep 28, 2010
  4. PunkRotten

    PunkRotten Junior Poster

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2010
    Messages:
    23
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    12:52 AM
    For the 10-20 gallon I am going to use plants like java moss, anubias, wisteria etc. If I could think I could grow dwarf hairgrass in either set up (3g and 10-20g), I would try that too. But what substrate should I use? Should I use regular gravel with root tabs, maybe eco-complete, or something else?
     
    #4 PunkRotten, Sep 28, 2010
  5. PunkRotten

    PunkRotten Junior Poster

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2010
    Messages:
    23
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    12:52 AM
    BTW, where can I find either of those fixtures you mention for the 3 gallon? Thx
     
    #5 PunkRotten, Sep 28, 2010
  6. Tug

    Tug Lifetime Charter Member
    Lifetime Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2009
    Messages:
    1,150
    Likes Received:
    9
    Local Time:
    12:52 AM
    Eco-complete and AZOO Plant Bed are close, if not the exact same substrate. I like them and use them. Having a soil not cloud the water is a big advantage over DIY soils. DIY soils will take time and experience aging them properly - they have a tendency to smell and release NH4. A great deal of reading on the topic is recommended.

    IME, you would not go wrong if you use a light covering of peat with osmocoat plus (5-10 grams per sq ft.) under a layer of Eco-complete. It is not necessary but mixing in a layer of Flourite Black sand should improve rooting and CEC.

    Dwarf hair grass need mid to high light conditions, CO2 and nutrients (which you should be adding anyway.) Another option might be some Cryptocoryne that will form a nice carpet in low light over time.

    Eco-complete
    http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/7680-Eco-Complete-Planted-Black
    Sand and cation exchange capacity (cec)
    http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/7693-Does-sand-have-high-CEC
    Osmocote Plus
    http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/7046-Osmocote-Plus
    Google
    DYMAX Aquarium White LED 6000k Clamp Clip Lamp
    There's not a lot of information but what there is sounds promising and Big Al's has it listed on their website as a staff favorite.
     
    #6 Tug, Sep 29, 2010
  7. PunkRotten

    PunkRotten Junior Poster

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2010
    Messages:
    23
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    12:52 AM
    Can I use those clamp lights from Home Depot like this one? http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100664506&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&ci_sku=100664506&ci_src=14110944&cm_mmc=shopping-_-googlebase-_-D27X-_-100664506&locStoreNum=159&marketID=1


    Will these take CFL bulbs? Will these be enough to grow dwarf hairgrass? I plan to use pool filter sand. I will add a few root tabs. Plant dwarf hair grass, one piece of anubias nana "petite" on driftwood and a little bit of floating wisteria. Thats all I wanna grow in my 3 gallon. And should I use the light over open tank water or not? Like if I clamp it on the side of the tank, should I have a cover or not? Thx
     
    #7 PunkRotten, Oct 2, 2010
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Loading...
Similar Threads - light gallon
  1. Kevinb

    Newish 75 Gallon Planted Co2 Tank Lighting Advice

    Kevinb, Jan 1, 2020, in forum: General Plant Topics
    Replies:
    6
    Views:
    418
    Phishless
    Jan 2, 2020
  2. mv1175

    Led Lighting Solutions For A 90 Gallon Tank

    mv1175, Sep 30, 2018, in forum: Lighting
    Replies:
    7
    Views:
    2,660
    mv1175
    Oct 2, 2018
  3. ElGecko

    Light For Low Tech 75 Gallon - Help Please

    ElGecko, Sep 16, 2018, in forum: Lighting
    Replies:
    4
    Views:
    1,215
    ashtonfitzgerald
    Sep 17, 2018
  4. bshenanagins

    Low Light 5 Gallon Fluval Cube

    bshenanagins, Aug 10, 2017, in forum: Journals
    Replies:
    74
    Views:
    4,019
    bshenanagins
    Feb 11, 2018
  5. kevinmichael77

    Lighting Recommendations for 4ft. 70 gallon.

    kevinmichael77, Oct 21, 2015, in forum: Lighting
    Replies:
    27
    Views:
    1,047
    UDGags
    Nov 4, 2015

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice