Hi,
I have a Juwel vision 260 tank. Recently I upgraded the lights to 54W T5's X2 (with reflectors). So basically that is 104W divided by 66.68 Gallons (260L)...which gives 0.66W per Gallon.

Am I right in saying that this is too low for a high tech planted tank ? Will the reflectors increase the W per G figure at all ? I have a pressurised CO2 system and fear im wasting my time due to light levels.

Assuming I have to increase light levels...where the hell do I put them ??? Will it cost much ?

Any help welcome.

Dave.

curefan wrote:
Hi,
I have a Juwel vision 260 tank. Recently I upgraded the lights to 54W T5's X2 (with reflectors). So basically that is 104W divided by 66.68 Gallons (260L)...which gives 0.66W per Gallon.

Am I right in saying that this is too low for a high tech planted tank ? Will the reflectors increase the W per G figure at all ? I have a pressurised CO2 system and fear im wasting my time due to light levels.

Assuming I have to increase light levels...where the hell do I put them ??? Will it cost much ?

Any help welcome.

Dave.

hi dave.
with those calculations you have 1.55wpg(usgals) not uk. given they are T5s it will be nearer 2wpg.

Thanks Mr Algae,

Made a slight calculation mistake
Do you reckon this is enough light for growing demanding plants ?

Depends what you mean by demanding, really. With decent fertilisation and a good substrate, you'd get a Glosso carpet to grow, I'd say. Lighting is the only factor to consider with 'demanding' plants....

How deep is the tank?

Hi,
The tank is 62cm deep. I have haigrass, but it doesnt really seem to be taking off. I dose with KNO3 every second day. What ferts do you recommend ?

Thanks, Dave.

Hairgrass is always a slow grower for me even with the best attention that I can offer it. Break it up into single strands rather than large clumps and plant it with a tweezers, this way, when it does grow it will spread much quicker for you. You have about 1.5WPG, the co2 should work well for you at those light levels.

cheers zig..will do as advised.