Lighting question

[schwark]

How long does everyone keep their lights on for their planted tank? It probably depends on the size of tank/wattage, but I was just wondering.

I have a 65 watt coralife 6700k bulb for a 20 gallon and I usually keep them on for about 10 hours. I am decreasing the light by an hour since I am getting some algae on my rubin swords.

[Carissa]

I usually stick with 8 - 9 hours, on the lower end for non-co2 tanks or if I'm going away or something. I would rather have the plants grow a little less per day, and have less algae too. Less work all around.

[ccLansman]

im stubborn i have co2 injected so i go with 2x65w for 8 hrs and 4 hrs at 4x65w i have a 60 gal tank.

Rule of thumb, w/gals = wpg sooo.....

65/20 = 3.25 (unless you have co2 and good conditions this can lead to trouble)

[JDowns]

On my 29 gallon nano's that are El Natural.

36w PC 9 hours. Half the available lighting. But I only have low light plants in these tanks.

On the 150 gallon with CO2.

240w HOT5 (screened to cut down the intensity and slow down growth) for 9 hours.

[schwark]

Yeah... I can see the trouble I can run into. I have a Red Sea CO2 kit, and that has been helping, but I believe the CO2 is starting to decrease. I am waiting for my drop checker in the mail. I turned down my photo period by an hour... and I might turn it down another hour depending on my tests. I think it might be smart with the DIY CO2 to replace every 2 weeks rather than 3 to 4 weeks. It seems like the CO2 is not as consistent. I will restart the CO2 and then test the next day.. .and then a week, and then 2 weeks and see how it responds. Thanks again for the help!