150 Gallon Build Thread ... From the Start
- Thread starter WaywardSon
- Start date
BK, Vader & Chris - I think I get it (lol) you don't want me to up the lights. Really "no" reason - I agree.
I think (from this experience) that of the big 3 - lights, ferts, and Co2 - that WPG is way, way, way overrated (especially w/ 60" bulbs). It seems that so far 160W running 9 hours per w/ a good Co2 mixture (thanks again Vader) and ferts can grow about any plant.
As we all know, plants are funny. Most grow great and a couple of others just won't have anything to do with the tank. Not sure why - but certainly seems to be my experience.
I think (from this experience) that of the big 3 - lights, ferts, and Co2 - that WPG is way, way, way overrated (especially w/ 60" bulbs). It seems that so far 160W running 9 hours per w/ a good Co2 mixture (thanks again Vader) and ferts can grow about any plant.
As we all know, plants are funny. Most grow great and a couple of others just won't have anything to do with the tank. Not sure why - but certainly seems to be my experience.
/\ /\ The Rams are sweet. The Mrs. really likes them. They pretty much stay hidden, but when they come out and flutter / dance around it's really cool to watch.
Coy, with reference to your WPG-remark.
You should take into account that the rule is based on T8-tubes. Your lights are of a newer type that is far more efficient in combination with other factors (for example) that are important:
Bulb (clean, quality)
Reflector
Cover on the tank (the 'glass' cover over the water)
Water-quality (clean and clear water, your filter-quality)
Ambient Light Level in the room where the tank is located (My tanks are outside, they don't get direct sunlight but the ambient light is enough to have the tank growing like crazy with only 1 Watt p/Gallon, T8's)
Now, I think most of us agree that you've reached the kind of top-level setup only enjoyed or reached by few. In part (I think) that is because you are using top-quality substrate, lights, reflectors, filters, power-supply for your lights etc. (there's also a tremendous amount of preparation, determination and patience involved on your part, for which no money that can value that), but all this will help you reduce your WPG-value due to a higher upfront investment.
I'd like to compare that with an electric car. You'd pay more for the electric car due to its very expensive batteries, but the car pays itself later due to lower 'petrol' cost...
The conclusion is still the same though, don't up your light if you're happy with how it looks and you got all your plants growing as you'd expected.
My 2 cents.
You should take into account that the rule is based on T8-tubes. Your lights are of a newer type that is far more efficient in combination with other factors (for example) that are important:
Bulb (clean, quality)
Reflector
Cover on the tank (the 'glass' cover over the water)
Water-quality (clean and clear water, your filter-quality)
Ambient Light Level in the room where the tank is located (My tanks are outside, they don't get direct sunlight but the ambient light is enough to have the tank growing like crazy with only 1 Watt p/Gallon, T8's)
Now, I think most of us agree that you've reached the kind of top-level setup only enjoyed or reached by few. In part (I think) that is because you are using top-quality substrate, lights, reflectors, filters, power-supply for your lights etc. (there's also a tremendous amount of preparation, determination and patience involved on your part, for which no money that can value that), but all this will help you reduce your WPG-value due to a higher upfront investment.
I'd like to compare that with an electric car. You'd pay more for the electric car due to its very expensive batteries, but the car pays itself later due to lower 'petrol' cost...
The conclusion is still the same though, don't up your light if you're happy with how it looks and you got all your plants growing as you'd expected.
My 2 cents.
/\ /\ Thank you and I agree. Conditions / variables being inflated, if you will, should both take the burden off of any one component, and make the end result better.
Great thread and you've built up quite a nice tank!! Looks very relaxing! The stick catfish you have is a Farlowella. They are very cool and prefer to be in small groups IMO. They need wood in their diets and nice steady water movement so your tank is just perfect for them! They also like to 'ride the rapids' at times so a small powerhead would do 'em well.......but I don't think your plants would like it 
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Been outa town, so catching up now... Very nice man! Love the red lines, and YAY, GBRs!!! I would stay at your current wattage with the way things are growing in your tank, and I totally agree about some plants doing well and others not so well for now clear reason in different tanks. Yours is really coming along great though. I'll update my own thread soon as I get a trim done. Came home to a jungle after being gone for a week! LOL!
I would stay at your current wattage with the way things are growing in your tank, and I totally agree about some plants doing well and others not so well for now clear reason in different tanks. Yours is really coming along great though. I'll update my own thread soon as I get a trim done. Came home to a jungle after being gone for a week! LOL!
