Light period and intensity in new setup …

[Ossie]

May I ask how long should I light my newly planted aquarium and what % of the Twinstar S should be the max.
I have a dimmer/programmer so I can ramp up and down over the photo period …

Ossie …

 

[Wookii]

I assume it is for this tank?:

A New 60P setup and progress report …

I have kept fish since I was 10 years old on and off until a few years ago. I always admired beautifully planted tanks and have just bought an ADA P60, the 45cm deep version … with a Twinstar 60SM … I am currently cycling the tank without lighting as I have no plants yet … I hope to update my...

www.ukaps.org

I would have the light on for 8 hours with a 10 minute ramp up at the start and end (purely for any livestock you add later on), and set the light on with a peak of 40% initially.

 

[_Maq_]

It depends on many variables, and it's hardly possible to advise through a telegraph. General wisdom says to begin with lower intensity (and perhaps shorter period).
How long did you cycle the tank before planting? What's your substrate?

 

[Ossie]

My tank is not fully cycled yet, I am just gathering information for the near future …

 

[_Maq_]

Two personal* suggestions:
1. Don't play with soil substrates. Plain silica sand will save you from some headache.
2. Make 'dark cycling' lasting 6 weeks before planting.
*) 'Personal' means that I'm well aware that some others who deserve more respect than me would suggest somehow different start.

 

[Ossie]

I thank you for your advice, I will stick to the Aquasoil, I simply prefer the look.
I am only at the two week stage of a dark start but there is plenty to do.
Completing my walnut hood,
sorting out the Co2,
choosing the plants and the struggle with the hardscape …
Ossie …

 

[eminor]

Two personal* suggestions:
1. Don't play with soil substrates. Plain silica sand will save you from some headache.
2. Make 'dark cycling' lasting 6 weeks before planting.
*) 'Personal' means that I'm well aware that some others who deserve more respect than me would suggest somehow different start.

+9999 i hate soil substrates, everytime i uproot a plant it's a total mess, everytime you do that there is ammonia spike, i'll never do that mistake anymore