How Many Hours of Light Do Your Aquarium Plants Get Per Day?
For those keeping track of their aquarium plant light requirements, the answer may seem straightforward. However, my experience has led me to question this common wisdom, and perhaps there's more to consider than surface-level understanding. In this article, I will delve into my unique scenario and explain the outcomes I've observed.
My Setup and Findings
I have two smaller aquariums at my disposal: a 20-gallon (20g) and a 10-gallon (10g) tank. Both are dedicated to planted tanks and feature specialized plant lights, supplemented by natural light sources. Here's a breakdown of their specific conditions and the results:
20-Gallon Aquarium
This tank is basking under a seasoned set of plant lights for a full 8 hours each day. Taking advantage of the abundant natural light during the Canadian summer, it receives even more light exposure beyond the 8-hour artificial light cycle. Despite this substantial amount of light, the growth of algae is minimal. This is contrary to the typical belief that more light leads to more algae.
10-Gallon Aquarium
Conversely, my 10-gallon tank is receiving a mere 4 hours of light per day. The lighting is derived solely from specialized plant lights without any additional natural light. This setup has prompted an alarming proliferation of algae, which is quickly outpacing my cleaning efforts. The concern is that the algae may now be growing at such a rate that it could potentially escape the tank through any small opening since daily monitoring is not feasible.
Consistency Despite Differences
Both aquariums undergo approximately weekly water changes, with the 20-gallon tank receiving a change of 25 gallons and the 10-gallon tank getting a bit more. The stocking density is quite similar, and both tanks are home to freshwater tropical plants. Additionally, both tanks are equipped with sponge filters to maintain water quality.
Key Insights and Potential Explanations
The primary discrepancy lies in the substrate used. The 10-gallon tank is utilizing a soil-like substance that is better suited for substrate-rooted plants. In contrast, the 20-gallon tank uses balls of clay that are more resilient in aquatic environments. It’s the differences in substrate composition that might provide some clues to the contrasting algae levels.
1. Lighting Intensity vs. Algae Growth
One potential explanation might be the intensity of light rather than its duration. Although the 20-gallon tank receives more light, the quality and intensity could be significantly lower than the 10-gallon tank's. Although specialized plant lights are used in both setups, they may not provide the same benefits. The higher algae growth in the 10-gallon tank could indicate that the lighting is too intense, leading to excessive photosynthesis and subsequent algae growth.
2. Substrate Influence on Algae Control
Another factor to consider is the interaction between the substrate and algae. The use of clay in the 10-gallon tank may create more surface area for algae to adhere to. Clay particles have a higher tendency to trap detritus and nutrients, conditions that promote algae growth. On the other hand, the rounded dirt balls in the 20-gallon tank may offer a smoother surface that is less hospitable to algae.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The experience with my two aquariums offers a fascinating look into the complexities of aquarium plant care. The abundance of light in one tank and the scarcity in another have resulted in vastly different outcomes. These findings can inform future decisions regarding lighting and substrate choices for other planted tanks. Further research and experimentation are necessary to fully understand the interplay between light, substrate, and algae growth.