Co2 Or More Lighting (added Pic To Help)

[piper]

Hello all, just a quick poll to help me make up my mind.

I currentley have 1.1 WPG Lighting over a 70 Gal (US) tank, and dont know weather to upgrade my lighting first or go for CO2 ?

 

[Dude]

i voted lighting but it really depends on how many plants you have //....

 

[nodding_dino]

by CO2 do you mean DIY or pressurised?

 

[bennett]

it's my understanding that the co2 would need to be right before the extra lighting kicks in. algae would have a field day if there was just an upping of lighting.

plus co2 is generally more expensive, so once you've got it that's one main expense out of the way!!

 

[IovaykInD]

Also, c02 only helps plants and doesn't help algae at all. If you get lighting first, it would help the algae a lot more because there's not enough c02 for the plants to use all the light that is provided. In which case, it is definately best to buy c02 first so that plants will have the upper hand before you add higher lighting.

Isaac

 

[bennett]

Also, c02 only helps plants and doesn't help algae at all. If you get lighting first, it would help the algae a lot more because there's not enough c02 for the plants to use all the light that is provided. In which case, it is definately best to buy c02 first so that plants will have the upper hand before you add higher lighting.

Isaac

does that mean i was right?!

 

[piper]

by CO2 do you mean DIY or pressurised?

It would be a 2kg pressurised system

 

[nodding_dino]

I think personally I would go for the CO2 first and then add in the extra light as funds permit...I just think it would be safer to have a stable CO2 level before going to medium light. Just my opinion!

 

[Discomafia]

Good idea to get the CO2 first, as it's a big expense. But definitely worth it because although start up cost is high, it is easier and cheaper in the long run... Also want to reiterate the point that it will give the plants an advantage earlier. Are you planning to get a ph controller?

Also, what kind of lighting are you planning on getting? I've seen what happens when you up lighting without CO2. Algae is not fun...

Lastly, how heavily planted is your tank?

 

[piper]

I have included a picture so you can get an idea of my planting

I will not be using a ph controller just a night time solenoid shut off.

I currenty have an Arcadia I-Bar Twin Light with two 39w Arcadia T5 Plant Pro Lamps. I shall simply get another one of these units and tubes.

 

[George Farmer]

CO2, CO2 and CO2 first!

Trust me on that.