ChrisMachell
New Member
Hi, total newbie here, apologies for lengthy post. Recently set up my first planted tank, Fluval Roma 240 litre. Currently stocked with 9 black ruby barbs, 4 sterbai corys, 4 sodalis corys, 2 apistogramma, 6 boesmani rainbows, 1 clown pleco, 1 silver molly (a stowaway but doing well). All fish are doing well. Currently doing 2 water changes per week of around 25%. Planted with a range of beginner - intermediate plant species from amazon swords, crypts, water wisteria, duckweed, etc to alternathera reinicki and just planted a nymphaea rubra bulb. I've just set up co2 injection, have it steady at 30ppm throughout the day, only on during photo period of 10 hours. I'm using clay subst
rate with a gravel cap round the edges of the tank and using TNC complete liquid ferts and root tabs.
I know I'm probably making lots of mistakes already but would appreciate advice on whether I should get some higher lighting - my current LED light is 1950 lumens, working out at around 8lm per litre, which I understand is low (though it looks plenty bright to me!). Is it necessary to get higher lighting or will the plants be okay with this? I'm conscious of stressing the fish with but also of wasting co2 if the plants aren't able to take it up through insufficient photosynthesising. I'd love to strike the right balance if at all possible - I'd love a tank with healthy, lush plants and happy, calm fish! I've attached a photo to give a general sense of plant density.
I know I'm probably making lots of mistakes already but would appreciate advice on whether I should get some higher lighting - my current LED light is 1950 lumens, working out at around 8lm per litre, which I understand is low (though it looks plenty bright to me!). Is it necessary to get higher lighting or will the plants be okay with this? I'm conscious of stressing the fish with but also of wasting co2 if the plants aren't able to take it up through insufficient photosynthesising. I'd love to strike the right balance if at all possible - I'd love a tank with healthy, lush plants and happy, calm fish! I've attached a photo to give a general sense of plant density.