New Grow Tank! plus question...

[harrywitmore]

So, if genius means way too obsessed with plants and poor because of it then that's me, and Antone most likely too.
:lol:

[bluedart]

hehe... I've put myself in the same position. I've got close to 100 different variations and species of plants (a rough estimate), even though that's probably nothing compared to what you guys have. Anywho, quick question for anyone who might know--

I'm lazy and use cling wrap for my grow tank tops (because I'm always spending the money I save for glass tops on... well... more plants!) and right now the only cling wrap I have is red. I have an odd feeling that this might filter out something good for the plants... any opinions? It's on my new grow tank. The other 4 have clear cling wrap and are doing fine. Thanks!

[thekidgecko]

Red wavelengths of light are pretty significant source to chlorophyll A light absorption so you may be depriving them of an important wavelength. I would try to find clear if possible, as this would probably give them a boost. Having a brain fart (too late here...) and can't remember if chlorophyll A is just involved in cyclic ATP production so I may be wrong, correct me if I am. Too tired to look it up...

[bluedart]

Originally Posted by thekidgecko

Red wavelengths of light are pretty significant source to chlorophyll A light absorption so you may be depriving them of an important wavelength. I would try to find clear if possible, as this would probably give them a boost. Having a brain fart (too late here...) and can't remember if chlorophyll A is just involved in cyclic ATP production so I may be wrong, correct me if I am. Too tired to look it up...

Both chlorophyll A and B are involved in the photosynthetic process, they're just involved in various steps. They both get stimulated and ultimately produce ATP, so it's all good.

I'm just not sure if the red seran wrap is actually filtering out anything or merely sitting there.

[defaced]

A transparent red material is one that allows red light to pass. So your red plastic wrap is absorbing all other colors but red.
http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache...d=2&lr=lang_en

[bluedart]

Originally Posted by defaced

A transparent red material is one that allows red light to pass. So your red plastic wrap is absorbing all other colors but red.
http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache...d=2&lr=lang_en

That's what I thought, and consequently was worried about.

I suppose that means a trip to Food Lion.

[axolotl]

what are you guys using for a substrate? Is there something on the bottom for drainage?

[harrywitmore]

The tank I showed has a layer of lava rock for drainage but I grow many plants in large Rubermaid containers with nothing but sphagnum. I water it very seldom though. I mist they often.

[thekidgecko]

Wow....haha defaced is right. Remind me not to post anything past 10 lol...That is even worse I guess though. Try and get some clear and your plants should hopefully do better lol.

[bluedart]

They're doing fine right now, they've only been set up a few days in the new grow tank.

As to drainage--no, there is no drainage in that tank. I never actually *water* the tank. I do have a couple sterilites containers that I do have to water periodically because they like to dry out, but that's about it. I mist 2x a week. They're fairly low maintenance.