Mangroves in sump lighting

I just placed an order on reefcleaners a few days go..i though that i would try out some mangroves. I talked to John and he said that putting them in my DT is doable. But then i looked in my closet and saw that i have a light for a 10 gallon..15 watts 5500 K..could I hang this light above my sump to grow the mangroves (5 plants)?

Thanks,
Ivan

 

I would think so

I've heard of lots of folks doing that!

 

I was thinking that 15 watts wouldn't be enough..but then i remembered it doesn't have to go down through the water..so i'm thinking it will be okay!

What about the lighting cycle..i have heard of people running their fuge light 24/7 or just at night..or just during the day..which would be best?

 

Most people talk about reverse schedules meaning sump lighting is on when DT is off.....OR 24/7 lighting in the sump. I couldn't tell you 100% as I do not have a sump.

 

yeah..something about oxygen levels dropping when the lights go out i believe..

 

Reverse cycle will keep your ph stable. I believe a solid 24/7 would do the same thing too. I use a $5 fluorescent bulb with a reflector I got from home depot. A 15 watt tube may do, but you won't get much growth. Spend $10 and get a 26watt energy efficient fluorescent and a reflective fixture.

 

that will be plenty of light for them. they get almost all there nutrients through the roots. I have seen them grown well in sumps using only ambient light in the room.

 

I can attest to this. I have nice roots growing from my five mangroves plants I received from John about 5 weeks ago. Actually have them growing in my HOB filter. Remember the growth tips should not be under the water (with red mangroves).

 

As stated by mikejrice, those bulbs are fine, remember that your not trying to penetrate the waters surface. I would recommend a reverse lighting cycle. I dont recommend 24/7 lighting on Mnagroves, they need to "rest" just like any other plant. The only "plant" that I would run a 24/7 lighting is cheato. Running a reverse lighting cycle will help your system maintain a stable ph level. Yes, it has to do with O2. Mangroves grow slow and consume Mag, so keep an eye on your Mag levels.


Luna

 

that will be plenty of lighting for them. I run my sump lights 24/7 btw with good results. I only use an 18 watt cf floodlight on my sump with good results