Big Tank still use WPG?

TechoJunkie · 05-16-2005, 12:49 PM

HI all.
I've finally got my tank setup (see sig for details).
I have selected what I think are 'easy plants' without high light requirements. I have planted those with higher light requirements directly under my two MH fixtures. I am currently 4 days into a two week settle-in period prior to starting to stock the tank.
MY QUESTION relates to the lighting.
Using the WPG rule I have only 1.7WPG not nearly enough? or is it? I thought I read somewhere that it doesn't neccessarily apply to larger tanks.
Last time I had this tank setup I had an algae garden so I was reluctant to add more lighting.

Am I heading for another green explosion due to lack of lighting? or can I carry on confidently

Rex Grigg · 05-16-2005, 12:55 PM

The WPG rule breaks down on large and small tanks. I cover this topic in my Guide.

Also you really don't need to wait to stock the tank if you plant it heavy. I also cover this in my guide.

Algae is caused by the nutrients being out of balance. You need to make sure your CO2 levels are correct, around 30 ppm, your nitrate and phosphate levels are in the correct ranges. That there is an available supply of micro nutrients available to the plants.
Nitrate levels should be in the 5-10 ppm range
Phosphate levels should be in the 0.5-1.0 ppm range
Potassium levels should be in the 10-20 ppm range.
You should be dosing a good trace mineral mix around twice a week.

Also your sig shows your tank as 175 gallons and you are using 2 MH lights. Could you supply us more info about this. Actual dimensions of the tank, wattage and color temp of the lights.

TechoJunkie · 05-16-2005, 09:28 PM

Thanks Rex,
Tank parameters below
6x2x2ft tank
2x 150W 4200K MH lights
CO2 @ 30ppm (was planning to reduce to 20 when I add fish)
kH= 70ppm
pH= 6.6
Water Temp 26C
Photo period = 10hrs
No nutrients being dosed at present.

Rex Grigg · 05-17-2005, 01:32 AM

The CO2 level is fine. However the color temp of your lights is a bit low. Best range is 5000k-10,000k. Also you might be better off coverage wise with another light. Normally you get about 2' of coverage out of a MH light.

My advice would be to load the tank up with a bunch of inexpensive bunches of stem plants. At least 40 bunches. Get the tank running, dose the tank. Get it stabilized. Sell or trade all the clippings for other plants.

shalu · 05-17-2005, 01:42 AM

Many people suggest no less than 1 MH per 2 feet, or you have uneven light coverage. But it might work for you if you put the light demanding plants directly under MH like you do now, and more shade tolerant plants in dark areas.

Betowess · 05-17-2005, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechoJunkie

HI all.

Last time I had this tank setup I had an algae garden so I was reluctant to add more lighting.

Am I heading for another green explosion due to lack of lighting? or can I carry on confidently

Did you have pressurized CO2 in that last tank? I bet you will do fine with Shalu's and Rex's advice, if you get a good fert regimen happening soon and consider adding a third light. Your stats look good, save for the color temp as they noted. What is your GH? Good luck. bob

TechoJunkie · 05-17-2005, 12:37 PM

Thanks guys,

So the consensus seems to be to add another MH. I spaced them in the hood with this in mind so hopefully I can add another easily enough. The question is WHEN? Do I carry on now for a while until the plants and everything is settled or do it right away?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Betowess

Did you have pressurized CO2 in that last tank? I bet you will do fine with Shalu's and Rex's advice, if you get a good fert regimen happening soon and consider adding a third light. Your stats look good, save for the color temp as they noted. What is your GH? Good luck. bob

Last time round I had pressurised CO2 but no control, so it probably did more damage than good. The algae looked fabulous though

GH = 80ppm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rex Grigg

My advice would be to load the tank up with a bunch of inexpensive bunches of stem plants. At least 40 bunches.

I've got a stack of plants (see list in sig) are these not fast enough growing or you think I need more plants? Some of the plants I have (eg. Val) is small (15cm) at the moment but I have about 25 plants

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rex Grigg

Get the tank running, dose the tank. Get it stabilized. Sell or trade all the clippings for other plants.

When would you start dosing? Got suggested initial targets?

Rex Grigg · 05-18-2005, 12:25 AM

Those plants are not fast enough growing. I have a good list in my Guide in the Cycling area. Also the fertilizer levels are covered in my Guide.

05-16-2005, 12:49 PM	#1
TechoJunkie Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: May 2005 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 29	Big Tank still use WPG? HI all. I've finally got my tank setup (see sig for details). I have selected what I think are 'easy plants' without high light requirements. I have planted those with higher light requirements directly under my two MH fixtures. I am currently 4 days into a two week settle-in period prior to starting to stock the tank. MY QUESTION relates to the lighting. Using the WPG rule I have only 1.7WPG not nearly enough? or is it? I thought I read somewhere that it doesn't neccessarily apply to larger tanks. Last time I had this tank setup I had an algae garden so I was reluctant to add more lighting. Am I heading for another green explosion due to lack of lighting? or can I carry on confidently __________________ Brett 145G (550l), 4x150W 5000K MH, Laterite in Gravel, DIY Substrate heating, Pinpoint pH controller, Pressurised CO2, DIY Reactor, 300W heater, Ehiem. Vallisnera Spirallis, Giant Vallisnera, Microsorum Pteropus, Vesicularia dubyana, Echinodorus Bleheri, Anubia, Crytocoryne Balansae Angels, Otos, Cories, SAEs, Glow Light Tetras, Lemon Tetras, Black Neons

05-16-2005, 09:28 PM	#3
TechoJunkie Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: May 2005 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 29	Thanks Rex, Tank parameters below 6x2x2ft tank 2x 150W 4200K MH lights CO2 @ 30ppm (was planning to reduce to 20 when I add fish) kH= 70ppm pH= 6.6 Water Temp 26C Photo period = 10hrs No nutrients being dosed at present. __________________ Brett 145G (550l), 4x150W 5000K MH, Laterite in Gravel, DIY Substrate heating, Pinpoint pH controller, Pressurised CO2, DIY Reactor, 300W heater, Ehiem. Vallisnera Spirallis, Giant Vallisnera, Microsorum Pteropus, Vesicularia dubyana, Echinodorus Bleheri, Anubia, Crytocoryne Balansae Angels, Otos, Cories, SAEs, Glow Light Tetras, Lemon Tetras, Black Neons

05-17-2005, 01:42 AM	#5
shalu Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 1,675	Many people suggest no less than 1 MH per 2 feet, or you have uneven light coverage. But it might work for you if you put the light demanding plants directly under MH like you do now, and more shade tolerant plants in dark areas. __________________ Truvu 100g Flourite, wet/dry, AHSupply 302w PC, PinPoint controller 10gallon15w T6+15w T8 55gallon40w T6 ODNO4x, no CO2. Discus grow out. 10gallon Tonina tank, 2x15w T6 ODNO 4x --------------------- I will do aquascapes after I collect all the plant species and grow them to perfection.

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05-16-2005, 12:55 PM	#2
Rex Grigg Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (65/100%) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland Orygun Posts: 9,600	The WPG rule breaks down on large and small tanks. I cover this topic in my Guide. Also you really don't need to wait to stock the tank if you plant it heavy. I also cover this in my guide. Algae is caused by the nutrients being out of balance. You need to make sure your CO2 levels are correct, around 30 ppm, your nitrate and phosphate levels are in the correct ranges. That there is an available supply of micro nutrients available to the plants. Nitrate levels should be in the 5-10 ppm range Phosphate levels should be in the 0.5-1.0 ppm range Potassium levels should be in the 10-20 ppm range. You should be dosing a good trace mineral mix around twice a week. Also your sig shows your tank as 175 gallons and you are using 2 MH lights. Could you supply us more info about this. Actual dimensions of the tank, wattage and color temp of the lights.

05-17-2005, 01:32 AM	#4
Rex Grigg Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (65/100%) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland Orygun Posts: 9,600	The CO2 level is fine. However the color temp of your lights is a bit low. Best range is 5000k-10,000k. Also you might be better off coverage wise with another light. Normally you get about 2' of coverage out of a MH light. My advice would be to load the tank up with a bunch of inexpensive bunches of stem plants. At least 40 bunches. Get the tank running, dose the tank. Get it stabilized. Sell or trade all the clippings for other plants.

05-18-2005, 12:25 AM	#8
Rex Grigg Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (65/100%) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland Orygun Posts: 9,600	Those plants are not fast enough growing. I have a good list in my Guide in the Cycling area. Also the fertilizer levels are covered in my Guide.