Lowest PAR for a HC carpet...

[JohnC]

Hi Folks,

Been pondering a quick "6 months" 70L scape and think i might give an HC carpet another go.

Currently i've only got an old Aquabeam LED lined up for the light which is giving about 35ish PAR at the substrate (although i will bank heavily so it will be more in places).

What are your experiences with growing HC in a lower PAR lighting set up?

I'm reading about and most peeps suggest 40+......

I swear i've had it growing in less in the past on my corner tank, but it was a while ago and i can't remember the PAR on that set up.

Best Regards,
John[DOUBLEPOST=1398278907][/DOUBLEPOST]aside question -

would micranthemum-sp-monte-carlo cope better at this lower PAR set up?

no experience with it what so ever...

http://www.tropica.com/en/plants/plantdescription.aspx?pid=025

 

[Alastair]

Yes the monte carlo does much much better. A few members have ot growing in low tech non co2 set ups too

 

[Lee Sweeting]

Hi John! I would suggest if you are using pressurised co2 to make sure your dissolution and distribution are good, and not worry about light so much. I know other members have grown HC successfully with lower light levels. I grow monte carlo low tech.. So you should have no problems with lower lighting.

Hope that helps?

 

[Mick.Dk]

I've grown cuba-hem. at lower light-levels, than I recommend - even in the shade of crypts and swords..........but the balance of light, flow and CO2 needs to be very well managed (not really surprising)
Monte Carlo is defenitely the more safe choice, as it appears to be a lot more tolerant in general.
Mick