What is my lighting level?

So I have this light fixutre that came with my tank. I like planted tanks, and I currently have some plants, but I'd like to know what is my lighing situation - is my light good enough? Is it really bad? I really can't tell hahah

So my tank is 92cm long (36 inch) X 31 cm depth (12 inch) X 40 cm height (15 inch).
my lighting is 36W 24 " Degen LED lamp fixture for aquarium LFL- 2cL Fixture.


and another semi-related question: is there such thing as low-non photosynthetic light that I can use for display only? So I can get more lighting ti,e without getting lots of algea?

Thank you very much for taking the time to read and reply! <3

 

I also have an LED that I am not sure about. It has 5 lighting colors and automatic operation like dawn to dusk.
I have no idea how to use it. I have no plants so I want a lighting level and color that discourages plant growth. Algae is my issue now.

 

I think the light you have should suffice for low light aquarium plants (cryptocoryne, Bucephlandra, anubias, bolbitis, mosses, java fern, valls, floating plants ect)


As for light that's non-photosynthetic (NoP), short answer is no... or at least, a nice viewing light. Plants and algae use the red and blue parts of the light spectrum. The green part, isn't really used - hence why most plants are green, cause they don't adsorb the green, and is reflected back into our eyes, making them green. So a green light could work, but it wouldn't make for nice viewing.

White light is the combination of all the hues in the visible spectrum. So it still contains red, green, blue, yellow ect; and makes it ideal for viewing. Technically a small underpowered light could work, but it wouldn't make for good viewing.

 

A good cheap led light is the vivagrow

 

I think the light you have should suffice for low light aquarium plants (cryptocoryne, Bucephlandra, anubias, bolbitis, mosses, java fern, valls, floating plants ect)


As for light that's non-photosynthetic (NoP), short answer is no... or at least, a nice viewing light. Plants and algae use the red and blue parts of the light spectrum. The green part, isn't really used - hence why most plants are green, cause they don't adsorb the green, and is reflected back into our eyes, making them green. So a green light could work, but it wouldn't make for nice viewing.

White light is the combination of all the hues in the visible spectrum. So it still contains red, green, blue, yellow ect; and makes it ideal for viewing. Technically a small underpowered light could work, but it wouldn't make for good viewing.

Thanks for the responses! I think I'll upgrade my light soon. It isn't that expensive and will allow me to grow so much more.

But will getting a stronger better light will mean even less light hours? I'm currently doing 7 hours of light, and it just bumming me out!
Wish I had more light hours

 

Why not set your lights to when your home more for your viewing. I turn the lights on all my tanks on at noon when I come home for luch and turn them off between 8-9 so I can get a good 3-4 hours worth of viewing and maint. on my tanks. As far as a light just for viewing you can turn it on and off when ever you want if your not looking to grow plants. if you eave a light on for more than 8 hours straight in an unplanted tank you could easily run into an algae issue.

 

Why not set your lights to when your home more for your viewing. I turn the lights on all my tanks on at noon when I come home for luch and turn them off between 8-9 so I can get a good 3-4 hours worth of viewing and maint. on my tanks. As far as a light just for viewing you can turn it on and off when ever you want if your not looking to grow plants. if you eave a light on for more than 8 hours straight in an unplanted tank you could easily run into an algae issue.

I agree! (+1)


As for lighting levels while upgrading to a higher light, it really depends on the tank. The plants need an adjustment period IMO and if not heavily planted, will quickly turn into an algae fest. If you were to get more plants to fill it out/export nutrients, then no. I don't think you'll need to change the duration.


The addition of floating plants will also help!

 

I think the light you have should suffice for low light aquarium plants (cryptocoryne, Bucephlandra, anubias, bolbitis, mosses, java fern, valls, floating plants ect)


As for light that's non-photosynthetic (NoP), short answer is no... or at least, a nice viewing light. Plants and algae use the red and blue parts of the light spectrum. The green part, isn't really used - hence why most plants are green, cause they don't adsorb the green, and is reflected back into our eyes, making them green. So a green light could work, but it wouldn't make for nice viewing.

White light is the combination of all the hues in the visible spectrum. So it still contains red, green, blue, yellow ect; and makes it ideal for viewing. Technically a small underpowered light could work, but it wouldn't make for good viewing.

Thanks Dude. I have chosen white as my color for now. Pure white and very dim. It looks much better dimmed anyway.
Blue and red are turned off as are the remaining colors.
I got this Marine LED for free sort of. My order got so messed up, I spent hours trying to fix it. They accidentally (I think) gave me the $239 LED to replace a $61 LED.
Its the best one Petco sells.