Wookii
Member
I'm in the process of setting up a new 70 litre (60 x 35 x 40) tank for the first time after 16 years away from the hobby. The tank will be fully CO2 and EI dosed.
Whilst most of the set-up will utilise kit I already have, the lights will be new, so out go my old metal halides, in favour of cooler and safer (the tank will be in my sons bedroom) LED's.
The light I have ordered is the 32W Fluval Plant 3.0 - I love that this can be programmed for a full day/night cycle simply using my phone - something that took multiple lights and numerous timers on my tanks of old.
However, what I'm struggling to determine is what the correct level the light should be at - particularly for the set-up phase where the plants will be growing in.
The Fluval Plant 3.0 is specc'd at 2350 lumens, and reportedly has allegedly a PAR value of around 100 at 300mm and around 70 at 450mm.
Is this too much for a tank startup, and should I be looking to reduce the intensity?
Also, what I should I set the initial photo period at - I see recommendations from 6 hours all the way up to 12 hours?
Any suggestions would be welcome.
Whilst most of the set-up will utilise kit I already have, the lights will be new, so out go my old metal halides, in favour of cooler and safer (the tank will be in my sons bedroom) LED's.
The light I have ordered is the 32W Fluval Plant 3.0 - I love that this can be programmed for a full day/night cycle simply using my phone - something that took multiple lights and numerous timers on my tanks of old.
However, what I'm struggling to determine is what the correct level the light should be at - particularly for the set-up phase where the plants will be growing in.
The Fluval Plant 3.0 is specc'd at 2350 lumens, and reportedly has allegedly a PAR value of around 100 at 300mm and around 70 at 450mm.
Is this too much for a tank startup, and should I be looking to reduce the intensity?
Also, what I should I set the initial photo period at - I see recommendations from 6 hours all the way up to 12 hours?
Any suggestions would be welcome.