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cm) light strips would be required. Using T8 bulbs, that would be 180–240 watts, and
using high-output T5 bulbs it would be 240–320 watts. If I had worked with fluorescent
T8 or T5 bulbs I would have used four rows of two bulbs, eight bulbs in total. With that
setup, the electrical usage would be significantly higher. Add to that the factor of lifespan:
fluorescent tubes should be replaced at least every other year (some people change them
out annually), while LEDs last much longer. Manufacturers are boasting of a full five
years for LED emitters, but we shall see how that works out with all the aquarists now
starting to try LEDs. On the other hand, LEDs cost more to begin with.
However, I don’t want to do a cost-benefit calculation here; that is a matter for
another report. Economy counts, but most of us want healthy, thriving plants and fishes
most of all, and in my case, I am seeing it with my own eyes.
Above, left: Less lighthungry
plants, such as these
Cryptocoryne affinis, were
planted in the corners and
along the edges of the tank.
Right: Red-leaved water
plants grew equally well—a
sign of sufficiently strong
illumination.
AMAZONAS
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