TMC GroBeam 600 recommended intensity

[Jaap]

Hello,

I just bought a TMC GroBeam 600 and will put it over a CO2 planted high tech tank. The tank is 30cm in height and the GroBeam will be hanged above the tank....it will be adjustable so I can place it 10cm or 20cm or 30cm above the tank.....I also bought the TMC controller....

Does anyone have an idea of the % intensity to be set on the controller in relation with the distance above the tank?

Thanks

 

[James O]

It's a fairly shallow tank but each system is different. Maybe start at 30cm above and ramp up from 50, 60, 70, 80% then drop the height and start at 50 again. When you encounter problems back off a little.

Btw I understand It's better to run the light at less than 100% if possible for led longevity

 

[Edvet]

Depends on CO2 i would say, the more CO2 you can get in, the higher the intensity. Start at 30 cm and 30 or 40%. Gradually intensify. Make sure you get a good pH drop first (depending on KH). All tanks and situation differ, you will need to find what works in your situation.

 

[Jaap]

At the beginning I will not have fish or shrimp so I can have a high CO2 content....I will dissolve my CO2 through an external reactor from CO2Art...also will dose through EI....

 

[Edvet]

Do you have a pH pen? I think that is the most important tool

 

[Jaap]

I have a pH and a kH test kit....

 

[Edvet]

Try to get a electronic pH device, this will make testing far easier (pH pens and some calibrating fluid aren't that expensive anymore) (and assuming you have a droptest)

 

[Julian]

It wont hurt to start out low then build your way up. I have 2 TMC 400's and they're at 15% each, approximately 60cm above the substrate. Seems to be working for me so far, if I go above 20% I get BBA...

 

[Jaap]

1. So at 30cm above tank e.g 60cm above substrate and at 30% I will be ok?

2. Is there a chance that plants will suffer if I begin with 15%?

3. What would be a good photoperiod to start with?

 

[Julian]

Id say set it to 20%, see what happens over the next few weeks and go from there. Things might not look very bright, but its better than having a bright tank full of Algae. Your plants will be fine, they'll just grow a little slow if anything. You can have as long of a photoperiod as you want as long as your lights are at the right levels. I think 8 hours is a good place to start.