How much light do aquarium plants need?

Light conditions: The plants need light to produce photosynthates, which in turn promote growth. Low-light plants (like Anubias) requires e.g. six to eight hours of light per day, whereas high-light species with dense growth (carpeting plant species) might need ten to twelve hours of light. Match your type of lighting to plant needs, and try to keep to a regular photoperiod using a timer to prevent algae growth.

Dark periods. Likewise, it is essential to provide them with a few hours of total darkness every day (4-6 hours) to allow for full respiration and reduced growth. There are timers available to automate the photoperiod. Avoid leaving lights on 24/7, as this will stress your plants, promote algae blooms, and leave your plants out of sync.

Adjust the lighting based on plant response. Leggy growth indicates not enough intensity. Algae on the leaves indicates excessive light. Yellowing indicates spectrum issues. Adjust the plants or adjust the settings when you see this.

Utilize full-spectrum LEDs for balanced growth. Select fixtures with a color temperature of 6500 K to 7500 K. Mount the lights between 6 and 12 inches above the water surface, depending on the desired intensity. Reflectors should also be cleaned monthly to maintain maximum output efficiency.

The plants in your aquarium indicate that the lighting is successful. Compact growth in carpeting plants is an indication that your lighting setup has been successful. Rotala will develop deep red colors with strong light. Make adjustments in small increments and observe the responsiveness of your plants for a thriving aquatic garden.

Read the full article: Essential Aquarium Plant Care Guide