LIGHTING
First of all the minimum requirements:
The temperature (the light spectrum see diagram below)
In addition to this, you will need to know more about it.
In addition to this, you will need to know more about it.
must be between 6000 and 7000 K (Kelvin) because it is about the solar spectrum, a natural light will not be enough to make grow your plants, you must necessarily add one. A well-planted tank has many advantages: excellent oxygenation of the water, elimination of a large quantity of nitrates (less water changes) and finally an environment very appreciated by our axolotls for an incomparable aesthetic rendering!
You can add colored LED ribbons for a nice atmosphere in the evening.
The intensity of the lighting is calculated in lumens and will depend on the size of your aquarium. (from 20 to 35 lumens per liter), I put much less personally I prefer to light by zones.
Indeed, a height of water of 40 cm will require only 800 lumens while at 60 cm it is preferable to start on 1300 lumens (because it is logical that we will also have a greater length to light).
Here are pictures of lamps that I can advise you because I have been using them for years:
In addition to this, you will need to know more about it.
In addition to this, you will need to know more about it.
In addition to this, you will need to know more about it.
In addition to this, you will need to know more about it.
In addition to this, you will need to know more about it.
In addition to this, you will need to know more about it.
In addition to this, you will need to know more about it.
In addition to this, you will need to know more about it.
In addition to this, you will need to know more about it.
In addition to this, you will need to know more about it.
Some can be ordered in France in your DIY stores, for my part I order them in China on sites like Miniinthebox, or Aliexpress or even ebay.
In the useful links you will find the information.
For the base of the lamps I chose e27 which corresponds to a large screw base, you can also get e14 small screw base or Q10 two points instead of screws.
However, it is easier to find the corresponding lamps with the large screw base.
I bought clamp lights in different places to test on my different aquariums.
The large architect lamps can be found at the valley desk, you can order them if they do not have any in stock. The small clamp lamps, at Conforama and Bricomarché.
In addition to this, you will need to know more about it.
1 W is about 10 lumens
Certaines peuvent être commandées en France dans vos magasins de bricolage, pour ma part je les commande en Chine sur des sites comme Miniinthebox, ou Aliexpress ou encore ebay.Dans les liens utiles vous trouverez les informations.Pour le culot des lampes j'ai choisi du e27 ce qui correspond à un gros culot à vis, vous pouvez également vous procurer du e14 petit culot à vis ou Q10 deux pointes au lieu de vis. Il est cependant plus facile de trouver les lampes correspondantes au grand culot à vis.J'ai acheté des lampes à pinces à différents endroits pour tester sur mes différents aquariums.Les grandes lampes architectes se trouvent à bureau vallée, vous pouvez les commander si ils n'en n'ont pas en stock. Les petites lampes à pince, à Conforama et Bricomarché.
Nathalie C
Nathalie C
If you have other addresses, do not hesitate to share them here in the comments.
Here is the result first with the architect lamps in 2 x 1350 lumens and on the second tray with the clamp lamps in 2 x 850 lumens: http://www.lightinthebox.com/fr/ns/e26-e27_v115827t0/ spot-led_v48846t0 / cool-white_v48849t0 / led-bulb_c4657 # nohash (always choose cool white and not natural or warm, if ever the kelvins are not indicated)
If you want to light up with a traditional T5 or T8 neon system, you just need to buy neon lights adapted to the size of your aquarium and adjustable on your ballast or ramp in a specialized store. There is 1w / liter for intense lighting, 1w / 4 liters for weak lighting t 1w / 2 to 3 liters for medium lighting.
Complete ramp systems can be bought off the shelf and are of course perfectly suited, only the price is higher, which is why I am offering you an alternative that I have tested for many years and which has allowed me to keep very beautiful plants, since I have about twenty per tank. Many members have adopted this system and are delighted with it.
In addition to this, you will need to know more about it.
The chihiros are also recommended. On this site at a very good price http://www.ebay.fr/itm/like/351630351996?vectorid=229480&lgeo=1&item=351630351996&rmvSB=true
Lights tested over a long period to promote plant growth
Click on the images to be directed to the merchant sites
Small price for this led lighting, you will just have to connect the 2 wires with or without a switch. So to reserve for small handymen but very practical and at an excellent price. Link on the image.
If you prefer to calculate in Watt rather than in lumens
For a little (or not) planted tank (cichilds): 1 watt for 3 liters of water
For a moderately planted tank: 1 watt for 2 liters of water
For a very planted tank (Amazonian): 1 watt for 1 liter of water
Here is a summary table showing these calculations:
Liters of your aquarium
1 W / 3 L Power (W) (lightly planted container)
1 W / 2 L Power (W) (medium planted tank)
1 W / 1L Power (W) (very planted tank)
50 L 17 W 25 W50 W
100 L 34 W50 W100 W
200 L 67 W100 W200 W
300 L 100 W 150 W300 W
400 L 134 W200 W400 W
500 L 167 W 250 W 500 W
600 L 200 W 300 W 600 W
700 L 234 W 350 W 700 W
800 L 267 W400 W800 W
900 L 300 W 450 W 900 W
1000 L 334 W500 W1000 W