I'm getting a tank this weekend and converting it from salt to fresh. It comes with a 130 watt bulb. I was going to try my luck with a lot of plants and some ottos to keep things under control, but will I have to fight off algee all the time?
130 watt in a 45. Is it way too much?
- Thread starter Lauren
- Start date
With just under 3 wpg, you will have just the right amount of light to grow almost any plant.
However, I'd be sure to make sure that you are injecting some supplemental CO2 into the aquarium, because with such high lighting, carbon will definitely be the limiting nutrient
However, I'd be sure to make sure that you are injecting some supplemental CO2 into the aquarium, because with such high lighting, carbon will definitely be the limiting nutrient
What is the Kelvin rating on the 'bulb'?
If it's an acitinic bulb it will not be a good choice for freshwater plants.
I agree with Darkblade. Crank up the CO2 and load it up with plants. Don't worry too much about the looks at first. Just plant the tall ones in the back and the short ones in the front and see what you like and what grows for you.
Read the sticky on fertilization because you will be needing to understand how to balance your tank with your lighting.
Len
If it's an acitinic bulb it will not be a good choice for freshwater plants.
I agree with Darkblade. Crank up the CO2 and load it up with plants. Don't worry too much about the looks at first. Just plant the tall ones in the back and the short ones in the front and see what you like and what grows for you.
Read the sticky on fertilization because you will be needing to understand how to balance your tank with your lighting.
Len
2.8WPG is a nice amount of light. If the fixture is designed for SW it's important to know what type of bulb it is; you may want to replace the bulb if it's not suitable for FW plants.
The bulb is a Coralife PowerCompact so yeah, it is designed for salt water. I went to my fish store and asked them about the light, and the person I spoke to said that if it came with a normal bulb and a blue bulb not to turn the blue bulb on.