I had to make an emergency tank purchase this week - a Fluval Flex 34L (9gallon) - because my old one developed a slow leak.
I've also got some new plants on the way - java moss, Hygrophila rosae austflakeis, and java fern, plus I'm adding some marimo balls and Zorchzon frogbit I already have lying around.
Now I'm dealing with another issue - the lights on the tank stopped working last night and only the blue LEDs are still on. I've reached out to the company and they're sending a replacement, but I have no idea how long that'll take.
I'm getting a bit worried about my plants - how long before they start to suffer? Is there anything I can do to help them out in the meantime?
The blue LEDs are pretty dull, but will my plants still be able to get some use out of them?
Will plants survive without lights?
Re: Will plants survive without lights?
It really depends on the timeframe. For photosynthesis, plants need both red and blue light, but red is more crucial. Can you rig up a temporary lighting solution to provide better light, maybe using a different type of light over the tank?
Re: Will plants survive without lights?
I've luckily got a desk lamp that I can position to shine onto the side of the tank. Not ideal, but it's better than nothing.
I'm not keen on having the lid off the tank, to be honest, as I have a child with additional needs who wouldn't be able to resist putting his hands in - and who knows what else. That's just not a risk I'm willing to take. Although, I suppose it's a possibility when he's at school.
I'm not keen on having the lid off the tank, to be honest, as I have a child with additional needs who wouldn't be able to resist putting his hands in - and who knows what else. That's just not a risk I'm willing to take. Although, I suppose it's a possibility when he's at school.
Re: Will plants survive without lights?
I'd suggest taking a closer look at the switch area of your lights. Corrosion from water can cause issues like this, and it's worth trying to clean it out. You'll need to disassemble the light to access the switch, but be careful not to get any WD40 near the tank - take it to another room to do this. Give the switch area a good spray with WD40 and see if that sorts out the problem.
Re: Will plants survive without lights?
Thanks, I'll take a look tomorrow but I'm not convinced it's water corrosion, given the lights only lasted 24 hours after setup.
Re: Will plants survive without lights?
Glad to hear the company's sorting you out with a replacement - hopefully it'll be free.
Re: Will plants survive without lights?
You might want to inspect the internal wiring, see if there are any issues with the solder joints. If the company's planning on replacing the light and they want it back, probably best not to go poking around in there right now.
Re: Will plants survive without lights?
Don't give them any chance to say you've voided the warranty, let them handle the replacement.fineman wrote: ↑Thu Mar 31, 2022 8:38 pm I'd suggest taking a closer look at the switch area of your lights. Corrosion from water can cause issues like this, and it's worth trying to clean it out. You'll need to disassemble the light to access the switch, but be careful not to get any WD40 near the tank - take it to another room to do this. Give the switch area a good spray with WD40 and see if that sorts out the problem.