Lighting in Planted Aquariums:
Lighting plays a crucial role in the success of a planted aquarium. Besides providing the necessary light for the healthy growth of aquatic plants, proper lighting enhances the beauty of the aquarium as a whole. In this article, we will explore in detail the importance of lighting in planted aquariums, the recommended wattages based on the difficulty level of the plants, and the differences between conventional LED lights and B990FE lights.
The importance of lighting in planted aquariums:
Light plays an essential role in the photosynthesis process of aquatic plants. During photosynthesis, plants convert light energy into chemical energy, using carbon dioxide and nutrients to produce oxygen and carbohydrates. Thus, adequate lighting ensures healthy plant growth and contributes to the biological balance of the aquarium.
When choosing the right lighting for your planted aquarium, it's important to consider several factors, such as light intensity, color spectrum, and photoperiod duration.
Introducing some basic concepts:
Watts (W): A watt is a measure of the electrical power consumed by a lamp or lighting device. In the context of aquariums, watts are often used to indicate the power of the light used. However, it is important to note that watts alone are not a direct measure of the amount of light produced or the color spectrum.
Lumens (lm): The lumen is a measure of luminous flux, that is, the total amount of light emitted by a light source in all directions. It refers to the total amount of visible light that a lamp emits. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light source.
Lux (lx): Lux is a measure of illuminance, which is the amount of light falling on a specific surface. It is the number of lumens per square meter. Lux is used to measure the intensity of light reaching a given area. In aquariums, it is a useful measure for determining the light intensity in different parts of the tank.
PAR radiation (Photosynthetically Active Radiation): PAR radiation is a measure of the amount of visible light in the spectral range (wavelengths) used in photosynthesis by plants. This range generally varies between 400 and 700 nanometers. PAR radiation is measured in micromoles of photons per square meter per second (µmol/m²/s) and is a more precise measure for determining the amount of light available to plants.
Although it's often difficult to determine the most suitable light fixture when looking at a light fixture, personally, I prefer to be guided by watts, simply because companies often inflate lumen values to ridiculous numbers, deceiving the consumer and trying to make it seem like they have a superior product.
Let's look at an example:
As seen in the photos, how is it possible for a 25-watt light to have 4800lm of output, when another light from a well-known brand needs 4 times more power, 100 watts, to have 6200lm of output???
Answer: That's not possible; in this case, Chihiros would be a realistic value, while the other is clearly inflated.
It's easy to see from this example that guiding ourselves by lumens, especially "generic" brands, can lead us to purchase equipment that falls far short of what we need.
Recommended potency levels based on the difficulty level of the plants:
Aquatic plants have different lighting requirements depending on their complexity and growth needs. Generally, they are classified into three categories based on their light demands:
Low-light plants (easy): These plants are generally slow-growing and do not require very high light intensity. A lighting power of approximately 0.25 to 0.5 watts per gallon of water is recommended for these plants. It is important to provide enough light for photosynthesis to occur, but without exceeding the necessary amount, which can result in excessive algae growth.
Plants with moderate light requirements (medium): These plants require slightly higher light intensity for healthy growth. A lighting power of about 0.5 to 1 watt per liter of water is recommended. It is essential to balance light intensity with other factors, such as nutrient supply and CO2, to avoid imbalances and excessive algae growth.
High-light-demand (difficult) plants: These plants grow quickly and require higher light intensity. A lighting power of 0.75 to 1.0 watts per liter of water, or more, is recommended for these plants.
Providing adequate and balanced lighting, along with other requirements such as CO2 availability and nutrients, is essential to ensure healthy plant growth free from algae problems.
How can I see how many watts my light fixture has?
You can simply check the box or see if it's written on the light fixture itself. If the watts aren't specified, you can check the output on the transformer in the light fixture: volts and amperes. Just multiply V x A to get the watts.
12V and 5A = 60 Watts; this is an approximate, but not exact, value for the wattage of your light.
Angles and light distribution:
The angle at which aquatic plants are positioned relative to the light source is a relevant aspect to consider when cultivating plants in aquariums. The angle of incidence of light can affect the quantity and quality of light received by the plants.
Aquatic plants have different adaptations to capture light efficiently. Some plants have wider leaves arranged in layers to maximize light capture, while others have thinner leaves to allow greater light penetration.
When positioning plants in the aquarium, it is important to consider the angle at which they are placed in relation to the light source. If the plants are too far away or at too narrow an angle to the light, they may receive insufficient light and not perform photosynthesis properly. On the other hand, if the plants are too close together or at too wide an angle to the light, they may receive excessive light and suffer damage.
Ideally, plants should be positioned to ensure even light distribution in the aquarium, allowing all plants to receive the appropriate amount of light. This can be achieved by adjusting the position of the lamps or using reflectors to redirect light to the areas that need it.
Furthermore, it is important to regularly monitor plant growth and adjust their position if necessary. This ensures that the plants are receiving the correct amount of light for healthy growth and avoids problems such as insufficient or excessive light in certain areas of the aquarium.
Plants that require more light should be placed under the LED light fixture, while less demanding plants that survive well in low light should be placed further back or in front of the fixture, or on the sides of the aquarium, where there is less light and the angle at which the light arrives is greater.
Not only is the angle important, but also the distance from the light fixture to the plant. The closer it is, the more light intensity it will receive; the farther away, as is the case with carpet plants, the less light intensity it will receive, since the intensity received by the plant decreases the further away the light source is.
Differences between conventional LED lights and WRGB lights:
LED lights are widely used in planted aquariums due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and customization options. However, there are differences between conventional LED lights and WRGB lights, which feature white, red, green, and blue LEDs.
Color spectrum: WRGB lights offer a wide range of colors, allowing for more accurate reproduction of natural light spectra. They can provide more balanced light, encompassing everything from the red and blue spectrum necessary for photosynthesis to the green spectrum, which enhances the visual aspect of the aquarium.
Intensity control: WRGB lights typically have more advanced intensity control, allowing for precise brightness adjustments throughout the day. This allows for the simulation of natural conditions, such as sunrise and sunset, creating a more natural environment for aquarium plants and animals.
Customization: Conventional LED lights often offer limited customization options, while WRGB lights allow for greater flexibility in choosing desired colors and intensities. This makes it possible to create different lighting scenarios, according to the aquarist's aesthetic preferences.
Conclusion:
Lighting plays a fundamental role in the success of a planted aquarium. By choosing the right lighting, taking into account the plants' needs and aesthetic requirements, it's possible to create a healthy and visually appealing environment. Conventional LED lights and WRGB lights offer different options, allowing for customization and the reproduction of natural conditions. With adequate knowledge about recommended wattages and the differences between lights, it's possible to create a stunning and vibrant planted aquarium.
