What is the correct light spectrum for aquarium plants. Is it 6700k, 8000k, a mix of bulbs? My tank is 30 gallons with two T5 24-watt bulbs. It is low tech and I have low-light plants such as java fern and crypts. Good advice would be appreciated. Thanks. :)
It is widely believed that anything from 5000K - 10,000 K is acceptable for plant growing, mixing color spectrum to please the eye is common.A popular mix is 6500/6700 with 10,000K.
Thanks Charlie. I appreciate the help. :)
ETA: what is the best amount of time to leave the lights on? My plants are low-light and I have two 24-watt T5 bulbs?
As for the amount of light I think it's something you need to play with. Different tanks seem to have different needs and what works for some won't necessarily exactly work for another. I would try 8 hrs of light and see what happens. The key is to leave it on long enough to get good growth but not so long that you start getting algae.
Jeff
Thank you so much. I do appreciate all the help I get here. :)
Color temperature Kelvins is a measure of the overall color of the light as it appears to the human eye. In theory, plants need light wavelength around 400-450nm (blue) and 650-675nm (red) light. Blue light is used for leaf growth, red light is for flowering and strong stems. The leaves reflect most green wavelength, that why leaves are green. A full spectrum light tube will take care all for you! ;)
Thanks Ken :) I appreciate the help once again.