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Thoughts On Only Using Actinics

Discussion in 'Aquatic Plants & Planted Tanks' started by Anthony, Sep 12, 2010.

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  1. Anthony

    Anthony Thread Starter Active Member

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    I've been running two 39 watt 10ks (It's a 4 lamp system though, so I've only been using two of the 4 bulbs) on my tank since the move. It sits half way in front of a window that gets sun most of the day. As a result the tank has some green algae growing on the glass and plants.

    Do you think the sun coming through the window/blinds (which are always closed, no curtains) would be enough to sustain the plants ? Today I only ran 1 blue actinic and 1 white actinic just so the tank wasn't dim looking.
     
    Anthony, Sep 12, 2010
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  2. HBIC

    HBIC Need help??? That's what we're here for :)

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    Depends on the type of plants you are talking about.
     
    HBIC, Sep 12, 2010
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  3. Anthony

    Anthony Thread Starter Active Member

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    Just a few L. Repens, Anubias Nana, and Crypts.
     
    Anthony, Sep 12, 2010
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  4. HBIC

    HBIC Need help??? That's what we're here for :)

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    I would think they would be good, just remember the repens and the crypts will grow toward the light source instead of straight up.
     
    HBIC, Sep 12, 2010
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  5. Anthony

    Anthony Thread Starter Active Member

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    I'm giving it a try. Hopefully the algae will go away and the plants will survive.

    My Endler tank is sitting in the garage without a light and the Wisteria in that is doing very well. I guess the light that comes in the windows across the garage door is plenty of light for them.
     
    Anthony, Sep 13, 2010
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  6. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    I'd give it a try, I mean what's the worse case scenario? Probably losing a few plants and maybe a diatom issue at most.
     
    MOD_Dawn, Sep 13, 2010
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  7. Anthony

    Anthony Thread Starter Active Member

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    Yep, that would be the worst thing that could happen I think.
     
    Anthony, Sep 13, 2010
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  8. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    SO how's the fishy's handling the move?
    and is the water their that much different than the other house?
     
    MOD_Dawn, Sep 13, 2010
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  9. Anthony

    Anthony Thread Starter Active Member

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    They're all fine. pH is about the same but now since it's city water I have to treat it with Prime.
     
    Anthony, Sep 13, 2010
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  10. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    haha, welcome to my world. Need links on where to get the big 2L and 4L bottles semi-cheap?
     
    MOD_Dawn, Sep 13, 2010
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  11. Anthony

    Anthony Thread Starter Active Member

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    Cheaper than Big Als ?
     
    Anthony, Sep 14, 2010
    #11
  12. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Assuming your wanting the 2L size which they're carrying for $44.99 and probably $9.98 S&H=$54.97? YEP! :)
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    MOD_Dawn, Sep 15, 2010
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  13. Anthony

    Anthony Thread Starter Active Member

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    LoL you always make me laugh with all the links you post to products and their pricing. Thanks

    The algae seems to have stopped spreading. I added some Algae Control to try to get the algae off the plants. The plants seem fine so far but I guess it will take a week or so to really know if the sun coming through the window will be enough for them.
     
    Anthony, Sep 15, 2010
    #13
  14. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    gotta watch with the algae control products...I remember reading on certain ones that their not safe for things such as corydoras/shrimp/etc.

    Glad to see your laughing at me (throws pillow and aims at head)..haha!
    Better to be thorough, and if you noticed I even included coupons. lmdao!
     
    MOD_Dawn, Sep 15, 2010
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  15. Anthony

    Anthony Thread Starter Active Member

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    Yep I know. I've used this one before several times and haven't had any issues.

    LoL uh huh you're on the ball.
     
    Anthony, Sep 15, 2010
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  16. Anthony

    Anthony Thread Starter Active Member

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    I ended up using an 18k and a white actinic. I'm still getting green algae like crazy, even with most of the light blocked from the windows. I think it's time for more Otto Cats. My last batch of 6 from PetSmart didn't even make it 24 hours. They were terrible quality.
     
    Anthony, Oct 3, 2010
    #16
  17. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    got any 6700K bulbs or think about covering the "sides" of the tank in addition to the back with something dark (would block any light from entering anywhere BUT from the top or front of the tank.\

    Just a thought.
     
    MOD_Dawn, Oct 3, 2010
    #17
  18. Anthony

    Anthony Thread Starter Active Member

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    Well one side of the tank is about 8 or so inches from the wall, the back is covered so that only leaves one side and the front. The algae seems to be growing on all 4 sides of the glass though.
     
    Anthony, Oct 3, 2010
    #18
  19. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    yea, it's probably spreading from the area that's getting the unknown boost of light source.
    Got a DARK background on it (black)..or have you tried blacking it out for a couple days to see if you can get it back in order?
     
    MOD_Dawn, Oct 3, 2010
    #19
  20. Anthony

    Anthony Thread Starter Active Member

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    I think it's my new water. I'm scared to leave the lights off on the tank because of the plants.
     
    Anthony, Oct 3, 2010
    #20
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