Is 6wpg Too Much?

[Duzzy]

Hi there,

I have been looking to upgrade my lights for some time and I saw a couple on ebay one is 6wpg http/cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...bayphotohosting

the other 2.3 http/cgi.ebay.com.au/500MM-Long-Aquarium...1742.m153.l1262

Which one would be more suitable?

Regards Darren

 

[lljdma06]

Hi there,

I have been looking to upgrade my lights for some time and I saw a couple on ebay one is 6wpg [URL="http/cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...bayphotohosting"]http/cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...bayphotohosting[/URL]

the other 2.3 [URL="http/cgi.ebay.com.au/500MM-Long-Aquarium...1742.m153.l1262"]http/cgi.ebay.com.au/500MM-Long-Aquarium...1742.m153.l1262[/URL]

Which one would be more suitable?

Regards Darren

How big is the aquarium? 6WPG isn't too much for anything below 8g or so, but above that size, especially in tanks that are 20g or more, that's a bit of overkill. If the tank is over 20g, I'd go for the 2.3, if it's less than 8g, you'll be fine with the 6WPG, but bear in mind, you'll most likely need CO2 at any rate. My guess is that the 6W fixture is designed more for corals in mind, especially if they are T5 HO.


llj

 

[Duzzy]

Hi there,

the tank is 31 gallon.....cool 2 2.5wpg it is

Regards Darren

 

[SuperColey1]

does 2 2.5wpg mean 5wpg?

T5 is anything up to twice as intense as the WPG rule.

for example over my 33USG tall I have 0.9WPG T5 and grow absolutely anything and quickly too. Don't go crazy with high light it isn't necessary. what is needed is the right lights.

I am a firm beleiver as are others that there is no such thing as a high light or low light plants and that it more depends on high or low nutrient/CO2. (People tend to add more nutrient and CO2 the more light they add.) I have Blyxia Japonica growing too well under these lights and Blyxia is supposed to be a medium difficulty high light plant.

If you get good lights that are 1.5WPG T5 with good reflectors I think you can grow absolutely anything you want as long as you maintain good CO2 and dosing.

Andy

 

[Duzzy]

Hi Andy thats the best advice on lighting I have had and you have made my mind up....thank you! oh and 2 2.5 meant 2 - 2.5

Regards Darren

 

[lljdma06]

If you get good lights that are 1.5WPG T5 with good reflectors I think you can grow absolutely anything you want as long as you maintain good CO2 and dosing.

Andy

And on the flip side, you can also opt to have 1.5WPG of T5 lighting, possibly do little with regard to ferts and CO2,and still have a successful planted tank. The growth will be slower, and you are more limited with your plant choices (less demanding species), unlike SuperColey's scenario, which does allow for more plant choices. I think you're on to something regarding the dosing, Andy. It's a simplification of a hobby that at times can seem ridiculously complicated with all the gadgets that are out there. I currently have 1.4WPG for a 20g and 1.8WPG on a 36g and the most I do for the 36g is 1 canister of DIY CO2 every week and once weekly, or whenever I remember, dosing of an all purpose fert. The 36g has power compacts, though, which may make a difference. I do nothing with my nanos.

I agree whole-heartedly that 2-2.5 WPG for a 31g is going to grow whatever you want, and you could probably have less.

Good luck to you, look forward to seeing this as a journal.

llj

 

[Duzzy]

Thanks llj

If you get good lights that are 1.5WPG T5 with good reflectors I think you can grow absolutely anything you want as long as you maintain good CO2 and dosing.

Andy

And on the flip side, you can also opt to have 1.5WPG of T5 lighting, possibly do little with regard to ferts and CO2,and still have a successful planted tank. The growth will be slower, and you are more limited with your plant choices (less demanding species), unlike SuperColey's scenario, which does allow for more plant choices. I think you're on to something regarding the dosing, Andy. It's a simplification of a hobby that at times can seem ridiculously complicated with all the gadgets that are out there. I currently have 1.4WPG for a 20g and 1.8WPG on a 36g and the most I do for the 36g is 1 canister of DIY CO2 every week and once weekly, or whenever I remember, dosing of an all purpose fert. The 36g has power compacts, though, which may make a difference. I do nothing with my nanos.

I agree whole-heartedly that 2-2.5 WPG for a 31g is going to grow whatever you want, and you could probably have less.

Good luck to you, look forward to seeing this as a journal.

llj

 

[frozenbarb]

6wpg isn't alot if you can handle it. That means ALOT of co2 and fert to keep the tank balance.

If your tank is unbalance, your tank will be in demise.


Which also means alot of money.

Stick with 1.5-2.5wpgs

 

[SuperColey1]

6WPG of T12 (which the WPG rule was calculated on) would be manageable by someone who strictly followed maintenance, CO2 and dosing regimes and had a decent amount of experience.

6WPG of T5 (IMO) is equivalent to as much as 12WPG on the WPG rule. No science or investigation behind this statement to back me up. Just my personal experience and reading other peoples experiences.

Andy