Calculating WPG

[cheesemaker]

I am wondering if you consider the effect of a reflector when calculating WPG?

I've got 2 30watts tube in my tank (45G). by adding a couple of reflectors, although the total wattage is the same i.e. 60watts, but you have got theoretically twice the amount of light, 120 watts (assuming 100% reflexion)

so at this point do I have a WPG of 1.33 or 2.66?

 

[houndour]

i think I read (today actually...think it was gf255) that WPG are measured using US gallons and include a good reflector.

So I'm afraid it's 1.33 WPG

 

[Ami]

I am wondering if you consider the effect of a reflector when calculating WPG?

I've got 2 30watts tube in my tank (45G). by adding a couple of reflectors, although the total wattage is the same i.e. 60watts, but you have got theoretically twice the amount of light, 120 watts (assuming 100% reflexion)

so at this point do I have a WPG of 1.33 or 2.66?

[snapback]859572[/snapback]​

Erm, unless I've got this wrong (which I could have, believe me the day I've had.... ), you're calcs are correct. Oh, apparently you need 2-3 watts per gallon for a planted tank to grow well, although slightly less if you don't want as much growth.

GF225, Nodding Dino and Hondourus (sorry for the spelling!) could all help with this.

 

[Ami]

GF225, Nodding Dino and Hondourus (sorry for the spelling!) could all help with this.

[snapback]859595[/snapback]​

Oops! Extra letters - sorry houndour!
)

 

[houndour]

Hondourus

you've obviously never played pokemon!

 

[smithrc]

I've always allowed 50% on the top of tube ratings when using reflectors (some claim 80%!)

I'm working on 2 20Ws over a 25gal... with reflectors giving somewhere around 2-2.5WPG

GF225, Nodding Dino and Hondourus (sorry for the spelling!) could all help with this. 

[snapback]859595[/snapback]​

And so can others - Dont alienate the rest of us

 

[nodding_dino]

(remember I'm really only just starting out like lot's of the others here!!!!! ) )

 

[nodding_dino]

you've obviously never played pokemon!

ahhhhhh...so thats where it comes from

 

[houndour]

(remember I'm really only just starting out like lot's of the others here!!!!! )

you're getting quite a reputation ND!

 

[nodding_dino]

)

you'll get me all embarassed

 

[cheesemaker]

i think I read (today actually...think it was gf255) that WPG are measured using US gallons and include a good reflector.

So I'm afraid it's 1.33 WPG

[snapback]859591[/snapback]​

Ah...... i see

better get the cheque book.... extra lights needed

thanks for the reply

cheers

 

[nodding_dino]

cheesemaker, if your going to get extra lights, make sure you read the pinned lighting article at the top of this section (you may of course already have done so!)...there are some good 'plant friendly' tubes out there and if your opening your wallet/purse, you may as well get something thats aimed at the planted tank!

 

[cheesemaker]

thanks for the the advice.
Yes, I've been fascinated by this section on the forum. I'll be getting some quality lights soon.

To me, planted tanks are cool. pinnacle of fish (er... plant) keeping. The whole thing feels like a giant chemistry set, don't you think? Add a bit of this and that and as if by magic you've created life.

COOL!

 

[nodding_dino]

To me, planted tanks are cool. pinnacle of fish (er... plant) keeping. The whole thing feels like a giant chemistry set, don't you think? Add a bit of this and that

houndour and I have been following in some of the others footsteps and trying the Ei method of fertilizing...it certainly feels a bit like chemistry at the moment!!!

 

[smithrc]

To me, planted tanks are cool. pinnacle of fish (er... plant) keeping. The whole thing feels like a giant chemistry set, don't you think? Add a bit of this and that

houndour and I have been following in some of the others footsteps and trying the Ei method of fertilizing...it certainly feels a bit like chemistry at the moment!!!

[snapback]859731[/snapback]​

looking forward to getting the bunsen burner out

(should have my EI stuff tomorrow - prepare for some questions! )