questions! :D

554 Views 4 Replies 2 Participants Last post by heyyzuz, Jul 21, 2012

heyyzuz

Discussion Starter · Jul 21, 2012

Hi, everyone I am new here. I have a 55 gallon tank with anubius, java fern, and five gold fish. I obviously just began putting plants in my tank

My current lighting is at 1.8 watts/ gallon, and I have a DIY CO2 system installed.

My first question is whether or not this is enough lighting and CO2 to allow my plants to flourish.

And my second question is about my DIY CO2. I have two two litter bottles attached to a bubble counter, then feeding into my hang on back filter. The issue is that the CO2 is not constantly being pushed out from the bubble counter. It comes out like every 20 seconds for about 10 seconds then stops. Is this how it is supposed to be? Also is it a good idea for the CO2 to be running into my hang on back filter?

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CatB

· #2 · Jul 21, 2012

watts/gallon is pretty much useless. PAR levels are a better method of measurement.
this is a good thread: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=105774
find what type of bulb you have and use that thread to find what level of lighting you have.
if your lighting is medium or less, your DIY CO2 should be fine. if it's high, you need pressurized CO2 or to downgrade your lighting.
yes, that is how CO2 is supposed to come out, it sounds fine. CO2 running into your HOB is fine unless it blocks water/debris from going up into the filter.

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heyyzuz

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jul 21, 2012

Thank for the tips! That link is incredibly useful. I currently have a low light intensity. Will my plants still grow with this?

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CatB

· #4 · Jul 21, 2012

heyyzuz said:
Thank for the tips! That link is incredibly useful. I currently have a low light intensity. Will my plants still grow with this?

anubias and java fern will grow just fine in that. other plants listed as being "low-light" will also grow in low light haha. and sometimes others will, you just have to take risks sometimes. be careful with goldfish though, sometimes they like munching on plants and/or digging them up c:

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heyyzuz

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 21, 2012

Right now these little suckers are not destroying my plants

. I wanted to get some java moss to put on my drift wood. Think that would be fine?

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