My 55 is planted with large anubias, java ferns, crypts and one sword (not low light I know). Right now I have 60 watts of T8 plant bulbs and the growth is there but is slow. I was wondering if upgrading to a 108 watt T5 would kick things up a bit? I use excel and flourish comprehensive also.
108 watts enough for a 55 gallon low light planted tank?
- Thread starter lipadj46
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Try adding some type of reflection. Like adding tin foil all on the underside of the fixture would add some intensity. At first I did not think this would work, but a member here (JCardona1) tested it. And it does add work well. How many T8 Bulbs are you running? If you can 3-4 T8 bulbs would be pretty good. You can always go to home depot or lowes and grab a 4 foot dual bulb T8 fixture for kinda cheap. Also I would look into DIY CO2. A 55 gallon tank is kinda large to be using Excel. It's gonna cost you alot in the long run.
Doing a DIY CO2 is really simple and pretty cheap too.
Doing a DIY CO2 is really simple and pretty cheap too.
Pyramid_Party;4988345; said:
The tinfoil method does work, i've been doing it for a while. I would stick to 2 bulb t8, Or a single bulb T5, but you might have to raise it or add co2 with the t5.
i don't recommend DIY co2 anymore, i would just go with a paintball setup, they will cost about $50, but they are way better than DIY CO2.
I gave up on DIY CO2 when I looked at the cost for the sugar I was going through. If you ever decide to go CO2, go with a proper CO2 system. Skip the paintball canisters. They cost more in the long run as well.
With the T5 unit, you might need CO2 or you might not. It depends on the unit you get. Some are much better than others.
With the T5 unit, you might need CO2 or you might not. It depends on the unit you get. Some are much better than others.
Right now I have 4 18", 15W T8 bulbs, 2 on each side of the tank. I use excel and flourish comprehensive just to see if it helps. I would not mind putting together a CO2 system if needed if I do step up the to a T5 fixture (probably a cheap one like an odyssey).
108 HO TOO much
108 NO should be right
I put the 108HO on mine, and had to move to co2 and ferts. If you want to maintain LOWTECH do not go the HO route.
108 NO should be right
I put the 108HO on mine, and had to move to co2 and ferts. If you want to maintain LOWTECH do not go the HO route.
Pyramid_Party;4988345; said:
Not recommended on a 55. Very VERY hard to maintain consistancy with such a large volume.
What bulbs are you useing? spectrum can make a big difference as well. and your doseing? do you use any fert tabs at all?