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Diana K · 11-22-2008, 02:58 PM

Fancy lighting! I would set it up so that you have perhaps 2 wpg (or lightly less) most of the time, with a few hours mid-day with more light. Sort of replicates a tropical jungle with the trees shading the river morning and evening, and the sun shining brightest mid day through breaks in the trees.

Most ground cover plants prefer plenty of light. I see a few ways to make this work:
a) Clover is one of the traditional ground cover plants that seems to require the least light.
b) Time the lights so that the ones in the front (directly over the ground cover) are on most of the time
c) Choose a plant that may grow a bit higher, but in your tall tank will work as a ground cover. Perhaps some of the smaller Crypts. 3" -6" might be a bit much for a ground cover in a smaller tank, but would be acceptable in your tank.

11-22-2008, 02:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
Diana K Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Near San Francisco Posts: 509 iTrader Ratings: 0 Plant Points: 26200	Re: OK....I am planning a 220 gallon:) Fancy lighting! I would set it up so that you have perhaps 2 wpg (or lightly less) most of the time, with a few hours mid-day with more light. Sort of replicates a tropical jungle with the trees shading the river morning and evening, and the sun shining brightest mid day through breaks in the trees. Most ground cover plants prefer plenty of light. I see a few ways to make this work: a) Clover is one of the traditional ground cover plants that seems to require the least light. b) Time the lights so that the ones in the front (directly over the ground cover) are on most of the time c) Choose a plant that may grow a bit higher, but in your tall tank will work as a ground cover. Perhaps some of the smaller Crypts. 3" -6" might be a bit much for a ground cover in a smaller tank, but would be acceptable in your tank.