Lighting for Planted Tanks

Why Lighting Matters

Light powers photosynthesis. Too little = slow growth. Too much without matching CO₂/nutrients = algae.

Light Levels

Low (PAR 15-40)

Java fern, anubias, mosses, crypts. Most basic LEDs work.

Medium (PAR 40-100)

Most beginner-intermediate plants. Fluval Plant 3.0, Chihiros A-series.

High (PAR 100+)

High-tech only (with CO₂). Carpeting plants, red plants. Chihiros WRGB II, Twinstar S-series.

Photoperiod

• New tanks (first 4-6 weeks): 6 hours/day
• Established tanks: 8 hours/day (sweet spot)
• High-tech: 7-8 hours

Use a timer! Inconsistent lighting stresses plants and promotes algae.

Color Temperature

• 6500K: Warm daylight — best for planted tanks
• 8000-10000K: Cool blue — better for fish-only
• RGB: Modern LEDs with excellent color rendering

LED Recommendations

Budget	Light	Best For
₹1,000-2,000	Nicrew ClassicLED	Low-light, nano tanks
₹2,000-5,000	Chihiros A-series	Most planted tanks
₹5,000-10,000	Fluval Plant 3.0	Medium-high tech
₹10,000+	Chihiros WRGB II	High-tech show tanks

Pro Tip: The "light triad": Light + CO₂ + Nutrients. Increase one? Increase the others. High light without CO₂ = algae. Balance all three.