[GSAS-Member] Catalina T5HO fixture report; photoperiod?

[Matt Staroscik <matt@wrongcrowd.com>]

The Catalina T5HO light fixture that I ordered arrived, and it is indeed
very nice. It seems solidly constructed, has 2 switches so you can run it at
half or full power, and has individual reflectors for each bulb. At less
than $200 shipped with bulbs of your choice, it seems like a heck of a deal
for a 48" HO fixture. There's no way to know what kind of parts are used
inside but these fixtures have a good reputation so I am optimistic. It also
included legs though I don't plan to use them.

This fixture does indeed direct a lot more light down in to the tank, so I
will probably have to get a second timer and adjust the photoperiod for a
burst of mid-day full power.

For a heavily planted non-CO2 tank that is almost 24" deep, what photoperiod
would you plant guys recommend? I have seen everything from 6 to 14 hours
being used. I am thinking about 10 hours, with 5 hours of full power... but
I really have no idea. Previously, I ran 12 hours full power, where full
power was somewhat less than full power in the new fixture.

If/when I add CO2 I assume I will want a longer/brighter photoperiod since
the plants will want to grow faster? Up to 12 hours, with 6 at full power?

The plants I have all require "low to moderate" light, btw... Crypts,
swords, hairgrass, assorted bunches of stem plants.

Thanks for any ideas...

MS
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