[Prometheus]

I have a 30 gallon planted tank with a 98 watt compact florescent light set at 12 hours per day. I have some vallisneria that i have to uproot all the time because it grows too quickly. Other plants are doing well too. Except I think the java fern and anubias could do better. I'm wondering if I should cut down the hours on the light since I am finding some hair algae in the moss and a bit of algae that keeps coming back on the glass, even though I have emergent plants. I am starting to think that there is too much light. I have other plants as well.. some hair grass, a melon sword (which keeps shedding leaves and growing new ones-is that normal?), hygro, and some others. Will it still work out with less than 12 hours of light a day? If so, how much can I cut down the hours?

 

[hoppycalif]

I have used 8 hour long photo periods at times, with no problems that I could see. The only reason I use a longer period is to get more viewing time for my enjoyment. Ten hours is what I consider to be the longest time that should be used with high light intensity, which you have.

 

[Bert H]

I will echo Hoppy's suggestions. I also run one of my tanks on an 8 hour on cycle. If it's a matter of wanting to see your tanks, do what I do. My light comes on at 3PM and goes off at 11PM. I usually get home 4-5PM, so I have lots of time to enjoy the tank.

 

[Prometheus]

yea, I will definately cut it down at least to 10 hours then. I think at some point I had it on 8 hours a day and I had an algae farm until I increased the hours. But I can't remember if this was before I redid my tank using soil. I'll try it out, thanks everyone!