Tank Update

[Wolfdog]

OK i got a double light holding ballast from the lady i baught the 55gal from. There was two 32 watt lights in it. I took the 40watt out of my single ballast and put that into the double.

I now have 72 watts of light.
I also went out and got a piece of plexiglass to put between the light and water.

I also made a DIY co2 system.

How is this setup now? Should i maybe go get a 40watt plant light too? Will the co2 help me out a lot?

Wolf

 

[StarOrbs]

You have a little more than 1WPG so you can do low light plants probally but adding CO2 with less than 1WPG is unecessary. I'm not an expert on planted tanks so I'm sure someone here can give you some advice on what plants to get.

 

[zig]

Your a bit underpowered for anything more than low light plants, read gfs pinned article at the top of this section on lighting, it also tells you a bit about what tubes are good for growing plants, you might have to get another fitting inside you hood or consider T5 power compacts for more wattage, but read the article and consider your options.

Good luck with it

 

[Wolfdog]

OK well i can fit that single ballast onto the tank too.

That would give me a total of 104 wpg.

The thing is its reeealy hard to feed. The whole top of the tank is covered now. I guess it wont be bad when i have to clean, cause ill just take everything off.

But its really bunched up, up there.

Can i see some pics of anyones top of the tank? How do u guys get so much WPG?

Wolf

 

[zig]

Well 104 watts is a lot better it gives you 2 WPG, add the correct reflectors and you can probably get it up to 2.5 WPG or somewhere around that, this will allow you to grow most plants and your co2 will really help.

Well fitting the lights in to get the wattage is usually the challange, what are the dimensions of the tank?

Thats why i suggested T5 power compacts, they are smaller than conventional T8 flourescents and pack a lot more wattage for their size, i have 2 55 watt power compacts giving me 110 watts and they are only 24 inches long including the light fittings.

The lighting at 104 watts should be fine with reflectors, the challange for you is to make them fit and still be able to feed your fish and do simple tasks without having to remove the hood each time, you could always consider making another hood, ive seen some very innovative ways of making things work, do a bit of research and get a few ideas, your nearly there.

 

[Wolfdog]

Well there is still some room in the back where i can fit food in. It wont be that bad. But any time ill ever have to get my hand into the tank it will be a real hassal.

Ive already invested so much time and money getting up to this point, im not gonna be able to find, purchase and have time to deal with another new light setup. I think ill be good with how it is now.

The T5 power compacts are prolly expensive huh?

The tank is 48inches by 12 inches.

Thanx for the help!

Wolf

 

[zig]

Yeah the T5s would set you back a good bit of cash, id make do with what you have, it should be fine, and like i say you will be able to grow most things just avoid plants that need high levels of light.

Most of us have to remove the hood to do routine maintainence anyway, adding plants, water changes etc, but your co2 will also help you a lot and you should have a decent setup with good results.

Best of luck.

 

[Wolfdog]

Thanx a lot!

I have added a few plants today.

2 which are i think Amazon Swords

ANother is Water Sprite

and the other two i have no idea, well see how they do.

Ill try to get pics...

Wolf