Lights or CO2

Ewan · 09-14-2003, 07:57 PM

I'm quite new too the plant thing. I have had tanks for about 5 year. I am amazed at the tanks on this forum. I was wondering if you could tell me what is more important Lighting or CO2.
I have a trigon 190 with Amason swords and Valis. The lighting is pretty poor and i only have 2 18 watt interpet tritons with reflectors. I don't realy want to go down the road, and expense of Metal Halide lamps at the moment. Would a basic CO2 kit help with plant growth or am i wasting my time? Your help is much appreciated.

m.lemay · 09-14-2003, 08:30 PM

I'm not sure what a trigon 190 is, am I correct in assuming it's a 190 lter tank? If thats the case that would translate to about 45 gals. 36 watts of light on a 45 gallon tank is barely enough light to view the fish on a dark night :lol: You have no chance of growing any plants with so little light.

In your case I would say light should be your primary concern at this time. Right now you only have 0.8 watts per gallon of light. As a bare minimum its been my experience and that of most others that 2 WPG (watts per gallon) would be a minimum for growing plants with the exception of a very few. Most people shoot for about 3 WPG.

CO2 is equally important to grow healthy plants. Light and CO2 work hand in hand to grow healthy plants. There is a minimum of light required but as light increases so does the need for CO2.

Marcel

**GulfCoastAquarian** · 09-14-2003, 08:43 PM

I'd definitely agree, regardless of what 190 stands for (liters or gallons), you need to shoot for 2wpg and then take care of CO2 supplementation later.

aquatic-store.com · 09-14-2003, 10:45 PM

lights ist definitely then the co2 you are @ the lowest level most of the plants can survive.

Ewan · 09-15-2003, 09:48 AM

Sorry guys its a 190 lt corner tank. I though as much about the lighting. Thanks for your help.

09-14-2003, 08:30 PM	#2
m.lemay Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (9/100%) Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Naugatuck, CT. Posts: 2,647	I'm not sure what a trigon 190 is, am I correct in assuming it's a 190 lter tank? If thats the case that would translate to about 45 gals. 36 watts of light on a 45 gallon tank is barely enough light to view the fish on a dark night :lol: You have no chance of growing any plants with so little light. In your case I would say light should be your primary concern at this time. Right now you only have 0.8 watts per gallon of light. As a bare minimum its been my experience and that of most others that 2 WPG (watts per gallon) would be a minimum for growing plants with the exception of a very few. Most people shoot for about 3 WPG. CO2 is equally important to grow healthy plants. Light and CO2 work hand in hand to grow healthy plants. There is a minimum of light required but as light increases so does the need for CO2. Marcel __________________ FILSTAR Pimp #2 75 gal heavily planted,50/50 Black beauty,Eco-complete substrate, Pressurised CO2 with solenoid, ph controller, AB Reactor 1000, 330 watts 9325K GE PC lighting,Ehiem Liquidoser, 2-Filstar xp3 canisters.

09-14-2003, 08:43 PM	#3
GulfCoastAquarian Planted Tank VIP (View User Tanks) PTrader: (6/100%) Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Winston-Salem, NC Posts: 3,577	I'd definitely agree, regardless of what 190 stands for (liters or gallons), you need to shoot for 2wpg and then take care of CO2 supplementation later. __________________ - Sam P - plantedtanker in limbo - all tanks currently in storage

09-14-2003, 10:45 PM	#4
aquatic-store.com Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: May 2003 Location: St. Louis Missouri Posts: 598	lights ist definitely then the co2 you are @ the lowest level most of the plants can survive. __________________ Marcus S Russo JBJ powerheads buy 2 GET 1 FREE LIVE PLANTS Co2 supplies Largest on the net. Dupla substrate heaters http://www.water-testers.com.com <p>Enter the 2005 Photo contest and win lighting, co2 supplies and more. </p> http://www.aquatic-store.com/index2.html

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09-14-2003, 07:57 PM	#1
Ewan Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 2	I'm quite new too the plant thing. I have had tanks for about 5 year. I am amazed at the tanks on this forum. I was wondering if you could tell me what is more important Lighting or CO2. I have a trigon 190 with Amason swords and Valis. The lighting is pretty poor and i only have 2 18 watt interpet tritons with reflectors. I don't realy want to go down the road, and expense of Metal Halide lamps at the moment. Would a basic CO2 kit help with plant growth or am i wasting my time? Your help is much appreciated.

09-15-2003, 09:48 AM	#5
Ewan Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 2	Sorry guys its a 190 lt corner tank. I though as much about the lighting. Thanks for your help.