Who Gives A Fish Forums

I'm setting up a new 40-gallon planted tank and need advice on lighting. I've got Java Fern, Anubias, and some Cryptocoryne. Should I go with LED or T5? Also, how many hours of light per day would you recommend?

LEDs are the way to go these days. They're energy-efficient and last longer than T5s. For your plants, 6–8 hours of light should be enough. Too much can cause algae issues.

I agree with IslingtonBoy. LEDs are better. I use a Nicrew light on my 30-gallon, and my plants are doing great. Just make sure to get one with adjustable brightness.

Yeah, LEDs are chill. I've got a Fluval Plant 3.0 on my 50-gallon, and it's been solid. You can tweak the settings to match your plants' needs. Just don't go overboard with the intensity, or you'll end up with a green mess.

IslingtonBoy wrote: ↑Thu Jun 26, 2025 3:45 am LEDs are the way to go these days. They're energy-efficient and last longer than T5s. For your plants, 6–8 hours of light should be enough. Too much can cause algae issues.

Spot on. I'd add that a timer is a lifesaver. Set it and forget it. No more guessing if you left the lights on too long.

LEDs are the bomb. I've got a cheap one from Amazon, and it's been working fine. Just make sure it's got the right spectrum for plants. Red and blue wavelengths are key for growth.

Thanks for the input, everyone. I'll look into LEDs with adjustable settings and a timer. Appreciate the help!

No problem. Let us know how it goes. If you see algae starting, cut back the light duration a bit. It's all about finding the right balance.

Yeah, keep an eye on your plants. If they're stretching or looking pale, they might need more light. It's a bit of trial and error at first.

seahawk wrote: ↑Thu Jun 26, 2025 5:47 am

IslingtonBoy wrote: ↑Thu Jun 26, 2025 3:45 am LEDs are the way to go these days. They're energy-efficient and last longer than T5s. For your plants, 6–8 hours of light should be enough. Too much can cause algae issues.

Spot on. I'd add that a timer is a lifesaver. Set it and forget it. No more guessing if you left the lights on too long.

For real. I forgot to turn mine off once, and my tank turned into a algae farm. Not a good look.