Aquarium plants require sufficient light to grow healthy and thrive. The amount of light needed depends on the type of plant and factors like water depth and quality. Getting the right balance is crucial, as too little light causes poor growth, while too much encourages algae. This article examines optimal lighting requirements for common aquarium plant types.
How Plants Use Light
Aquatic plants require light for photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use chlorophyll and light energy from lamps or the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The glucose fuels plant growth, while the oxygen is released as a waste product.
Plants also use light as a cue for biological processes like reproduction and dormancy. Aquatic plants can detect light intensity, duration, and wavelength, tailoring their growth accordingly. Providing the right photoperiod (duration of light exposure) and light spectrum is key to healthy plant development.
Measuring Aquarium Light
Aquarium lighting needs are measured using lux or PAR values:
- Lux – The total quantity of visible light. A lux meter measures the illumination falling on a surface. General household lighting is around 300-500 lux.
- PAR – Photosynthetically Active Radiation. PAR represents the spectral range (400-700 nanometers) that plants use for photosynthesis. It is measured in micromoles per square meter per second (μmol/m2/s).
PAR is a more meaningful metric, as it measures light levels actually usable for photosynthesis. Target PAR values for aquarium plants range from low, medium, to high light species.
Low Light Aquarium Plants (50-100 μmol/m2/s)
Low light plants only require modest illumination. They grow well in tanks with ambient daylight or minimal artificial lighting. Common low light species include:
- Java Fern
- Java Moss
- Anubias
- Cryptocorynes
- Amazon Sword
- Water Wisteria
These plants are ideal for beginner aquarists, as they tolerate a wide range of conditions. Placing them in shaded areas allows them to thrive even in high light tanks. Their slow growth helps control algal outbreaks.
Medium Light Aquarium Plants (100-200 μmol/m2/s)
Medium light plants need moderate to high illumination. This includes popular species like:
- Rotala
- Ludwigia
- Hygrophila
- Bacopa
- Alternanthera
- Glossostigma
These plants grow quickly and require high light CO2 injection for optimal development. They add color and visual interest to aquascape designs but need careful maintenance and pruning.
High Light Aquarium Plants (over 200 μmol/m2/s)
High light plants demand intense illumination – usually only achievable with high output LED or metal halide systems. Common high light species include:
- Red Plants – Alternanthera reineckii, Ludwigia repens, Rotala macrandra
- Carpet Plants – Glossostigma elatinoides, Hemianthus callitrichoides (Dwarf Baby Tears), Monte Carlo
- Floating Plants – Limnophila aquatica, Pistia stratiotes (Water Lettuce)
These plants grow rapidly under high light and CO2 supplementation. Their accelerated growth requires rigorous tank maintenance to control algae. Beginners should gain experience before attempting to keep them.
General Aquarium Lighting Guidelines
Use these general rules when setting up aquarium lighting:
- 1-2 watts per gallon for low light plants
- 2-3 watts per gallon for medium light plants
- Over 3 watts per gallon for high light plants
Unfortunately wattage rules give only a rough estimate. More accurate is tailoring lighting to deliver target PAR levels for each plant type.
Also remember light intensity decreases with tank depth. For example, substrate PAR levels in a 20 gallon high are lower than a 20 gallon long at equal wattage. Place high light plants toward the top, with low light plants lower down.
Lastly, the distance from lamp to substrate affects light intensity. Position adjustable lights to balance PAR delivery while minimizing algae growth.
Natural Sunlight
Sunlight offers intense illumination for aquarium plants, up to 400 μmol/m2/s PAR at midday. However, too much sunlight causes excessive algae growth. Here are some guidelines for using natural light:
- Avoid direct sunlight – instead place tank near a bright window
- Limit sunlight exposure to 6-8 hours daily
- Use floating plants like duckweed to provide shading
- Draw curtains or blinds to control intensity
When using the sun as your light source, provide shading and viewing windows to keep intensity within optimal levels.
Artificial Aquarium Lighting
Various aquarium lighting systems are available to suit different planted tank needs:
1. Fluorescent Tubes
Standard for planted tanks for many years. Linear T5 high output (HO) fluorescents provide high intensity at reasonable cost. Available in wide range of color temperatures. Limitations include high electricity use and light distribution.
2. Compact Fluorescents
Small spiral or folded CFL bulbs fit in standard fixtures. Provide focused light ideal for small tanks. Lack intensity for high light plants. Run hotter than standard fluorescents.
3. Metal Halide/HID Lights
Powerful metal halide and high intensity discharge lamps. Give intense light for high light plants. Require proper cooling. Often used on large display tanks. High electricity usage.
4. LED Aquarium Lights
Cutting-edge LED (light emitting diodes) fixtures now dominate high-tech planted tanks. Offer many benefits over traditional lighting:
- Energy efficient – long lifespan
- Customizable color spectrum
- Controllable ramp up/down
- Dimmable intensities
- Shimmer effects
- Compact design
Allow precise delivery of light tailored to plants needs. Higher upfront cost but last for years. The future of hi-tech planted tank lighting.
Photoperiods (Light Duration)
Photoperiod refers to the number of hours per day plants are illuminated. Proper photoperiods are tied to the plant’s native environments. Here are some general photoperiod guidelines:
- 8-10 hours for low/medium light tanks
- 10-12 hours for high light CO2 injected tanks
- Split periods with siesta can benefit plants
- Adjust schedule seasonally as day length changes
Use shorter periods to control algae. Intermediate level plants may need transition time to adjust to major lighting changes. An optimal photoperiod provides lighting tailored to your plants needs.
Supplemental CO2
Injecting supplemental CO2 allows plants to take full advantage of high light intensities. Without added carbon, plants are unable to process extra light energy through faster photosynthesis. This effectively wastes available light, increasing the risk of algal takeovers.
High light tanks should always provide added CO2 for healthy plant growth. Your plants, fish, and invertebrates will thank you!
Fertilization
Proper fertilization provides nutrients to utilize the light energy absorbed by plants. Macronutrients (N, P, K) and micronutrients (Iron, calcium etc.) allow plants to synthesize essential compounds for growth. Water changes alone are often insufficient to provide adequate minerals.
Use quality aquatic plant fertilizers per manufacturer instructions in medium/high light tanks for stunning plant growth. Take care to avoid overdosing minerals, as excess can trigger algae issues.
Aquarium Maintenance
While lighting drives plant growth, regular tank maintenance is key for plant health. Critical maintenance tasks include:
- Weekly water changes – Remove dissolved organics and replenish minerals
- Filter/tubing cleaning – Prevent debris clogs; improve water circulation
- Glass cleaning – Allow light to fully penetrate the water column
- Pruning plants – Promotes dense growth and sheds dying leaves
- Removing algae – Manually remove clumps; use treatments if severe
Vigilant maintenance is especially critical on high light tanks. Balance light intensity against your available time commitment for care to avoid algae issues.
Finding the Balance
Too little light results in poor plant growth. But go overboard with lighting and algae will run rampant. Successful aquascaping requires finding the sweet spot between growth and algae control. Some key tips include:
- Start conservatively and increase intensity slowly
- Provide only light levels actually used by your plants
- Fertilize lightly and ramp up as needed
- Adjust photoperiod length to balance growth vs algae
- Use floating plants and hardscape shading
- Supplement CO2 before increasing light intensity
Learn your tank dynamics and make adjustments gradually. And be diligent with tank maintenance – clean tanks thrive!
Conclusion
Aquarium plants require sufficient lighting tailored to their needs. Low light plants grow well under ambient daylight or minimal artificial light. High light plants demand intense illumination along with added CO2 and fertilization.
Use PAR values and watts per gallon as starting points when choosing lighting. Adjust and supplement as needed to balance healthy plant growth and minimize algae issues. Proper tank maintenance and finding the right light balance result in lush planted tank displays!
