lighting for hornwort plants

[adelbrecht10]

I have an aquarium that is not planted, and I would like to get hornwort plants for the aquarium. I am considering this species because I have heard that it is easy to take care of, grows rapidly, and tolerates low light levels. I currently have a hood on top of my aquarium but I have not installed light bulbs. The aquarium is close to a window. I am wondering if the natural light from the window will be enough for hornwort plants or if I need to get fluorescent light bulbs for the hood.

[cocoa_pleco]

its a medium light plant, so you would need 2-3w/g of lighting. definitely get a fluorescent bulb.

caution with the tank by the window, youre going to get excessive algae.

welcome to ac!

[adelbrecht10]

cocoa pleco,

Thanks for the response. Actually, I am already experiencing problems with green algae in my aquarium. I'm hoping that getting hornwort will help reduce the algae by outcompeting the algae for nutrients. Since natural light is apparently enough for green algae, are there any aquatic plants that can grow on natural light alone?

[Incredulous_Ed]

You definetly want a fluorescent light. Get a plant grow bulb that is around 6700 kelvin and it will help the hornwort grow.

The algae is most likely caused by excessive sunlight by the window.

[cocoa_pleco]

the only plants i can think of that will do alright in sunlight are java moss and java fern

[adelbrecht10]

I will get fluorescent lighting. How long does this need to be on each day for hornwort?

[cocoa_pleco]

8-10 hours max

[adelbrecht10]

I got my fluorescent bulbs today. My aquarium hood light fixture has translucent plastic shields that surround the bulbs. Am I supposed to remove these? I guess the function of these shields is to protect the bulbs from water but I am wondering if the light from the bulbs should hit the water directly without passing through any plastic.

[Incredulous_Ed]

Leave the shields on.

[cocoa_pleco]

leave the shields, they protect splashing water from hitting the bulb