Sorry More Lighting Questions

[bosshogg2003]

Sorry but more newbie questions.

I have a freshwater Juwel Rio 125 tank with the standard 2 x 18w T8 bulbs

I have be looking into getting more light (on a budget!)

I have found an iBar 2 x 24w T5 or converting what I have to T6 or an over tank luminarie 3 x 24w T5.

Would 2 x 24w T5 or T6 make any difference to plant growth/choice or are there any other reasonably priced options?

Would the 3 x 24w be the best option and if so would I need co2?

 

[Themuleous]

We need more info on the tank like size and what you intend to do with it. Have you read the pinned estimative index article?

Sam

 

[bosshogg2003]

We need more info on the tank like size and what you intend to do with it. Have you read the pinned estimative index article?

Sam

Tank is Juwel Rio 125
Volume: approx. 125 Litres 32us/26uk
Measurements: 81 x 36 x 50 cm

I have some plants at the moment, Wisteria, java moss, dwarf swords and vals, I would like more.

All I need to know is if |I go from 2 x 18w T8 to 2 x 24w T5 will it make any difference to the choice of plants I can have or if I go for a 3 x 24w T5 would that be much better and if so would I then need co2.

I have read many articles with wpg references and how much better T5's are, but my change would only be from 36 to 48w on a 32us/26uk gallon tank or from 1.1 to 1.5wpg, 3 x 24 will give me 72w or 2.25wpg so would co2 be needed.

 

[Themuleous]

Sorry was being think, you put what tank it was! note to self read more carefully.

Sam

 

[Dave Spencer]

At 1.1WPG or 1.5WPG CO2 is optional, but would be beneficial.

Light is the single greatest trigger for increased growth, so at 2.25WPG you are entering a different ball game. At these levels you need CO2, a large biomass and a good fertiliser regime. It`s not unlike getting a bigger engine for your car. There comes a point where the rating of the engine means you have to upgrade the brakes and suspension etc.

Cheers, Dave.

 

[bosshogg2003]

Sorry was being think, you put what tank it was! note to self read more carefully.

Sam

No probs, Add more water and less alcohol!!!

At 1.1WPG or 1.5WPG CO2 is optional, but would be beneficial.

Light is the single greatest trigger for increased growth, so at 2.25WPG you are entering a different ball game. At these levels you need CO2, a large biomass and a good fertiliser regime. It`s not unlike getting a bigger engine for your car. There comes a point where the rating of the engine means you have to upgrade the brakes and suspension etc.

Cheers, Dave.

Thanks, but what do you mean by a large biomass, is this a lot more plants, would a Hydor yeast co2 be enough, I have a 25mm base of tetra complete covered by 25mm of gravel.

 

[Dave Spencer]

Thanks, but what do you mean by a large biomass, is this a lot more plants, would a Hydor yeast co2 be enough, I have a 25mm base of tetra complete covered by 25mm of gravel.

Biomass generally refers to plants and beneficial bacteria. With a new high light tank you need a lot of fast growing weeds at the start to keep algae suppressed. Once the tank has reached around the three month stage you are at a position where you can start aquascaping and adding slower growing plants of your choice. This won`t be an issue if you decide to stay below 2WPG.

Lots of people use yeast based CO2 successfully, but I have no experience of them. I believe the Nutrafin system using the recipe in a pinned article on this forum works well.

Your substrate sounds perfectly adequate, I am sure Tetra know what they are doing.

Dave.

 

[Themuleous]

It`s not unlike getting a bigger engine for your car. There comes a point where the rating of the engine means you have to upgrade the brakes and suspension etc.

That's an excellent analogy Dave.

 

[bosshogg2003]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.