Whats the minimum wattage i can have for a dwarf sword plant? Right now i have a 50 gallon aquarium with a LightÂ
Aqueon 48" single tube strip light with flourecent 40watt 8,000k full spectrum lamp. Is this ok if i do root tabs, flourine axis carbon simulator, and API liquid plant food every now and then?
I
Amazon sword
6 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Re: Amazon sword
Watts per gal. is not an exact science (not all bulbs and fixtures are created equal), but you'll probably need between 1 1/2 to 2 watts per gal. for swords. If you can get more light on them to increase the watts, then you could add a iron root tab. Swords are nutrient hogs, but dwarfs aren't too needy.
-
ScottFish
-
- Thorn In The Rear Moderator
- Joined: Tue Feb 24, 2009 10:34 am
- Location: Palm Harbor, Florida
Re: Amazon sword
Yea, I'm going to home depot To get another light fixture so now ill have 64watts.
Kylee :)
-
discusfishies
-
- Member
- Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2011 12:06 am
Re: Amazon sword
Is this a T5 or a T8 bulb? (T5 is close to a half inch diameter; T8: about 1".) Most people feel a T5 bulb brings more light to your plants, thus the problem with the old watts-per-gallon rule. You should notice a big difference when you add the extra light. You might also get an algae explosion!
-
ScottFish
-
- Thorn In The Rear Moderator
- Joined: Tue Feb 24, 2009 10:34 am
- Location: Palm Harbor, Florida
Re: Amazon sword
Also, another way to help your sword: perhaps you can develop the landscape in a way that the section where you are planting the sword will be raised higher in the tank (and closer to the light source). I have my sword grotto a good six inches about the bottom using stones and substrate.
-
ScottFish
-
- Thorn In The Rear Moderator
- Joined: Tue Feb 24, 2009 10:34 am
- Location: Palm Harbor, Florida
Re: Amazon sword
Its a t8. Thanks for the tip! I just built up the subtrate and planted the sword so well so how it goes and I'm going to get some root tabs this weekend :) thanks for your help! 

Kylee :)
-
discusfishies
-
- Member
- Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2011 12:06 am
6 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Return to Plantkeeping Classroom
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest