Title sucks, so to ask another way... Is there a WPG threshold where you need to start adding CO2 and/or extra ferts? I know there has to be a balance of all 3, so what determines the proper ratio of light & CO2 & ferts? Here's the deal, I'm considering purchasing a nice light hood, but I dont want to go too big. I'm currently running a single 20w T8 Aqua-Glo, so will a dual T5HO unit be too big of a jump?
Is There a Lighting/CO2 Rule-Of-Thumb?
- Thread starter JakeH
- Start date
what size of tank and what kind of light are you thinking about adding. most people go 2.5-3wpg to add co2. though it really depends different kind of lights you have.
The WPG rule is pretty much useless as it doesn't take light intensity and water depth into consideration. For example, 25 watts of T5HO is more intense than 25 watts of T8 florescent. And lighting a 12" high aquarium needs less light than lighting an 18" high aquarium of the same volume.
If you're going with the dual T5HO, I'd strongly recommend pressurized CO2.
If you're going with the dual T5HO, I'd strongly recommend pressurized CO2.
Tank is a 20G long & its 12.5" tall. The reflector on my 17w single-tube fixture is garbage, so being really shallow, all I get is a narrow beam down the center. I want at least 2 lamps for better coverage & more wattage, but I DO NOT want to run CO2 or have to add extra ferts. So whats the best type of fixture for my upgrade? Dual T8's, dual T5's, dual Power Compacts or dual Compact Flourescents? I've been looking at Catalina & Nova Extreme brands.
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...5/cl0/coralifefwt5aqualightdoublestriplight30
I use this on my 20L and it works perfectly. But I do add CO2 as I had a problem with BBA; this is also due to the fact that my tank is filled with strictly slow-growers like Microsorum, Anubias and Moss.
I use this on my 20L and it works perfectly. But I do add CO2 as I had a problem with BBA; this is also due to the fact that my tank is filled with strictly slow-growers like Microsorum, Anubias and Moss.
hey this is great thread im actually trying to set up a 20L planted as well and wasnt sure which light to use what would be the cheapest set up that i could do and still be able to keep most kinds of plants (plan on doing a DIY CO2) and also are ferts absolutely neccesary for that small of a tank since i would really like to avoid having to add those
I use very low-dosage ferts & only dose during WC's, but I think you may get more answers in the stickies about which plants require what ferts... I'm still not sure how much light I can burn before needing CO2 guys. Help me out here. Thanks!
There is no real rule of thumb when it comes to using CO2. Just remember that your plants have three limiting factors when it comes to their growth:
1 Lighting
2 Ferts
3 CO2
the reason most people use CO2 is that they are trying to limit the amount of algae that grows in the tank. With more light and more ferts coming from dosing or your fish, your plants may not get enough CO2 to out compete the algae and diatoms that will appear. You will need to find a balance for these three factors if you want a long term low maintance tank.
1 Lighting
2 Ferts
3 CO2
the reason most people use CO2 is that they are trying to limit the amount of algae that grows in the tank. With more light and more ferts coming from dosing or your fish, your plants may not get enough CO2 to out compete the algae and diatoms that will appear. You will need to find a balance for these three factors if you want a long term low maintance tank.
I've narrowed it down to 3 fixtures. Please let me know which one you think will work best for my particular needs (No CO2, wide beam).
1) Coralife 1x65w PC (maybe too much light/too narrow beam?)-$49.99
2) Coralife 2x18w T5-$52.99
3) Current USA Nova Xtreme 2x24w T5 HO-$71.99
1) Coralife 1x65w PC (maybe too much light/too narrow beam?)-$49.99
2) Coralife 2x18w T5-$52.99
3) Current USA Nova Xtreme 2x24w T5 HO-$71.99
i have 5 20 longs with option 2.... 2) Coralife 2x18w T5-$52.99.... i am able to grow a fair amount of plants.....
another option would be a incandescent hood and put a couple 23w screw in cfl bulbs in it.
another option would be a incandescent hood and put a couple 23w screw in cfl bulbs in it.