I don't understand the lighting caluculations

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
N

negative_tea

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 18, 2010
265
0
0
My house
I read through the post with the sticky that explained lighting calculations. Maybe it is just early for me but I can't seem to understand. I am trying to figure out how many Flora sun bulbs I should have in a 55 gallon if I want to have high light I have 2 18" bulbs right now in the tank in question. Is that enough?

Sorry, I will learn this information eventually but help for now would be great.
 
Are you injecting the tank with CO2? If you aren't then you need to try for moderate light at the most. High light tanks require CO2, from my understanding.
 
Laticauda;4642604; said:
Are you injecting the tank with CO2? If you aren't then you need to try for moderate light at the most. High light tanks require CO2, from my understanding.
Click to expand...


I have CO2 tank that has been gifted to me from a friend. I do not have this tank set up yet but if it is needed I do have it.
 
high light doesnt need co2 but it helps. if u have too much light u need ferts at least. other wise ur gonna get a huge algae bloom
 
High light with fertilizer will only contribute to more algae... It gives the algae even more nutrients. Without co2, the algae will grow faster than the plants and overtake the tank. With co2, I would say get a 48" t5ho fixture with two bulbs at 6700k. I believe they are usually 54watts each so that gives you 2 watts per gallon, but you have to understand t5ho penetrates water much better than say power compact. You could go even higher, but you will have to be pumping co2 in to the tank in serious amounts to keep up. This isn't a bad thing, but co2 can be tricky, so best to try this after you get a but of experience under your belt.
Read up on co2 and ask questions. I would absolutely recommend using it, the growth in my plants has been MUCH better using it with adequate light.
 
aclockworkorange;4647022; said:
High light with fertilizer will only contribute to more algae... It gives the algae even more nutrients. Without co2, the algae will grow faster than the plants and overtake the tank. With co2, I would say get a 48" t5ho fixture with two bulbs at 6700k. I believe they are usually 54watts each so that gives you 2 watts per gallon, but you have to understand t5ho penetrates water much better than say power compact. You could go even higher, but you will have to be pumping co2 in to the tank in serious amounts to keep up. This isn't a bad thing, but co2 can be tricky, so best to try this after you get a but of experience under your belt.
Read up on co2 and ask questions. I would absolutely recommend using it, the growth in my plants has been MUCH better using it with adequate light.
Click to expand...

I just bought a 67,000k 48" compact Florescent light the bulbs are 65 watts each (four bulbs in the fixture), two CO2 canisters (the kind you put yeast, sugar, and water into), and two Emperor 400 filters with a 75 gallon tank.

Is this going to be an adequate system to grow a tank that has lots of high light plants such as baby tear and such?

If not what do I need to properly cultivate a planted tank?

Thanks for all the help!
 
u dont need co2. i dont understand why everyone thinks u do. for a uber planted tank(jcard's) you do. if your not shooting for that, then you dont, but it never hurts
 
negative_tea;4647346; said:
I just bought a 67,000k 48" compact Florescent light the bulbs are 65 watts each (four bulbs in the fixture), two CO2 canisters (the kind you put yeast, sugar, and water into), and two Emperor 400 filters with a 75 gallon tank.

Is this going to be an adequate system to grow a tank that has lots of high light plants such as baby tear and such?

If not what do I need to properly cultivate a planted tank?

Thanks for all the help!
Click to expand...

Yes, but you're better off ditching the HOB filters, because the surface agitation they create is going to dissipate the co2 out of the water column. Get a canister.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom