is my light cycle bad for plants?

[jokyfox9]

I've been running my lights for about 10 hours a day, but my Anubias and Java Fern aren't growing much. Tank is a 20 gallon with Fluval Plant 3.0, substrate is EcoComplete, and I dose Seachem Flourish twice a week. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Am I overdoing the light?

[brixle]

10 hours might be too much for low light plants like Anubias. They're chill with less, maybe 6-8 hours. Your Flourish dosing sounds solid, but too much light can cause algae, especially if CO2 isn't balanced. What's your photoperiod setup?

[larkfarm]

Anubias and Java Fern are slow growers by nature. Excessive light won't speed them up, just risk algae. I'd cut the light to 7 hours, maybe add a siesta period. Your substrate and dosing are fine, but check for any melting leaves.

[jokyfox9]

10 hours might be too much for low light plants like Anubias. They're chill with less, maybe 6-8 hours. Your Flourish dosing sounds solid, but too much light can cause algae, especially if CO2 isn't balanced. What's your photoperiod setup?

Thanks! It's a straight 10-hour cycle, no breaks. I'll try reducing it. No CO2 injection, just Excel.

[brixle]

Yeah, no CO2 with long light is sketchy for algae. Excel helps but ain't a full substitute. Try 7 hours, see if the plants perk up. If algae persists, drop it to 6.

[larkfarm]

Agreed. Without CO2, less light is safer. Also, Excel can melt some plants if overdosed. Stick to the recommended amount and observe for a few weeks.

[brixle]

Agreed. Without CO2, less light is safer. Also, Excel can melt some plants if overdosed. Stick to the recommended amount and observe for a few weeks.

Yep, Excel's tricky. I've seen it nuke Valisneria. Keep an eye on your Java Fern, it's usually hardy but can get fussy.