Such thing as too many wpg?
- Thread starter jpappy789
- Start date
Just wondering, why do you want so much light on your tank? Your electricity bill will be high. Why not just put like 3 - 4 WPG?
Normally the fixture sells around $300 but I could get it for under $100. And bulbs are included.
I was wondering though if I could use different bulbs ranked for lower wattage...or would that not work?
I don't know which type of fixture you are using but I would check it out and see if it will work with say, only half of the lamps installed. If not I would look for a combination of low wattage, low spectrum lights, and the lamps you currently have and find a balance that way rather than risk the other problems that could arise. And definately get some CO2 going, even a quick DIY is better than nothing, your plants will thank you for it. 
Also, use caution with low spectrum lights too many and things will look yellow.
Also, use caution with low spectrum lights too many and things will look yellow.
It does not cost $200 to set up a pressurized co2 system. You can do it for less. A barebones system needs:
Regulator- $45-$55
needle valve- $25
Bubble counter- $20
Co2 tubing- $10
Tank- $50-75 most of which would be a deposit for exchangable bottles or owning a 5 lb aluminum one.
You can find bargains often on much of the above thus reducing the cost.
I push my gas through an Eheim canister to diffuse it. You would need to spend something for a reactor or less for a diffuser if you dont use this method. You can spend anything here from a few bucks for an airstone type diffuser to $75-$100 for a en external reactor and pump.
The there is the operating cost. A year or more worth of co2 for an average tank is about $10. How much does it cost per year for diy supplies?
In the end a pressurized system will be much more reliable, easy to regulate (try that w/ DIY) and much less messy as well as cheaper to operate. If you can't afford to buy it all at once, you can accumulate the parts over time. In the end you will be glad you did. Also, diy is not well suited for larger tanks- ones about 40 gal or larger.
Oh yes- a single co2 bottle and regulator can easily be adapted to supply multiple tanks. Imagine trying to run diy on 3 different tanks
Regulator- $45-$55
needle valve- $25
Bubble counter- $20
Co2 tubing- $10
Tank- $50-75 most of which would be a deposit for exchangable bottles or owning a 5 lb aluminum one.
You can find bargains often on much of the above thus reducing the cost.
I push my gas through an Eheim canister to diffuse it. You would need to spend something for a reactor or less for a diffuser if you dont use this method. You can spend anything here from a few bucks for an airstone type diffuser to $75-$100 for a en external reactor and pump.
The there is the operating cost. A year or more worth of co2 for an average tank is about $10. How much does it cost per year for diy supplies?
In the end a pressurized system will be much more reliable, easy to regulate (try that w/ DIY) and much less messy as well as cheaper to operate. If you can't afford to buy it all at once, you can accumulate the parts over time. In the end you will be glad you did. Also, diy is not well suited for larger tanks- ones about 40 gal or larger.
Oh yes- a single co2 bottle and regulator can easily be adapted to supply multiple tanks. Imagine trying to run diy on 3 different tanks
I think I'm pretty close to pressurised with my diy system. My 2 1 gal gas cans sit in a heated water bath, homemade needle valve. So I can control how much co2 I'm dumping in. I spent $5 on a jar of yeast about 6 mos ago and a 4 lb bag of suger is $2, I use 2 cups suger a week, not sure how many cups in a 4 lb bag. Say that 4 lb bag lasts 6 weeks, thats $8 every 6mo for suger and $5 for yeast which is $14 If I did my math correctly. Yes with pressurized you can set it and don't have to mess with it daily making sure the bubble count is pretty close. I have kool-aid in the house to so the suger is already in the cubard. The town i live in the place that fills co2 tanks wants $20 so I'd only be saving $10-$15 year. As messing with the co2 all the time I've just gotten in the habit of checking the bubble counter when walking by or lokking at the fish which I look at for at least an hr a day.
