Planted Aquarium Lighting

Aquarium lighting for planted tanks: how much PAR you need, how long to run it, and why stronger is not always better. Get the intensity right first.

Choosing the best light spectrum for planted tanks

Choosing the best light spectrum for planted tanks

How to fine-tune light spectrum for better color and pigmentation for your planted tank.

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T5 vs LED, which is better?

T5 vs LED, which is better?

We review the ongoing debate among freshwater aquarists on the relative merits of LEDs vs fluorescent T5 tubes.

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Is Colour Rendering Index (CRI) important for planted tanks?

Is Colour Rendering Index (CRI) important for planted tanks?

How much does 'the 'colour rendering index', or CRI, matters when it comes to choosing between lights / bulbs for your planted tank?

 

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6500K vs 2700K; what does the kelvin number actually mean?

6500K vs 2700K; what does the kelvin number actually mean?

A deeper discourse on the term K rating, its applications and its impact on planted aquariums.

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Photo showing PAR meter readings in a planted aquarium

How to read PAR tables

What exactly is Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)? How do I make sense of PAR tables?

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