Dwarf Hairgrass Lighting

I️ recently decided to try carpeting in my 5 gallon tank. I️ was planning on switching out my imagitarium black sand but I️ decided not to and have instead planted root tabs. I️ also dose Seachem Flourish, API Leaf Zone, and picked up Seachem phosphorus. I️ started running Co2. I️ planted Dwarf Hairgrass that has more than a few strands browning and Staurogyne repens that have have started sprouting roots.

I️ recently bought a new fluorescent tube hood because the last one decided to go for a swim. I️ got a new tube, Aquaglo. I️ was wondering if this tube was good enough for carpeting DHG.

 

What's the Kelvin rating? I'm reading 18k, which to me would seem really unnecessary and may not work for DHG. A normal CFL or any high output bulb with a 5-10k kelvin rating will do.

 

What's the Kelvin rating? I'm reading 18k, which to me would seem really unnecessary and may not work for DHG. A normal CFL or any high output bulb with a 5-10k kelvin rating will do.

It is in fact 18k, and talked to a buddy that works at my lfs who has them on a couple of his tanks that’s growing some nice red plants but no carpeting ones.

Any tubes you would recommend?

 

A 18K will just give the tank a violet hue.. it should be fine to grow the carpet.

 

I don’t use fluorescent bulbs but anything too blue on the spectrum is not good for carpeting or high light plants in general. You want bright white light around 6500 kelvins for carpeting.