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	Max WPG?
stud_man50 Fingerling Posts: 30 Kudos: 16 Votes: 13 Registered: 22-Feb-2003	The ballest I have can run 4, 36watt compact flouresents. I have a 30 gallon tank. thats almost 5WPG. should I just not use one of the fixtures and cover it? That would be alot of light. I havent bought the lights yet but soon will. Thanks Justin
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:42
poisonwaffle Mega Fish Posts: 1397 Kudos: 591 Registered: 11-Feb-2003	Will you have CO2, ferts, and a lot of high light plants? If so, definately go ahead and go with 5wpg...if you don't have CO2 and ferts, you'll end up with a pile of algae Have fun
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:42
trystianity Mega Fish Posts: 1028 Kudos: 926 Votes: 49 Registered: 20-Mar-2004	I agree with pancake, as long as you're prepared to supply the plants with the nutrients they will need for the rapid growth you'll see at 5 wpg, go ahead and use both fixtures.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:42
illustrae Fish Addict Posts: 820 Kudos: 876 Registered: 04-May-2005	From experience I can tell you that if you have that much light, you will definitely need CO2. A pressurized unit would be best, because it's easy to be inconsistent with DIY CO2, and if that happens, you'd be amazed how quickly algae can choke out every plant you've got. I had to tear down my 30 gallon under a little over 4 wpg recently and threw out about 70% of the plant matter I had in my tank due to algae. Hoping that there must be a word for everything I mean...
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:42
bensaf Fish Master Posts: 1978 Kudos: 1315 Registered: 08-Apr-2004	Personally I feel 5 wpg is overkill even with Co2 injection. Unneccessary, 2.5 - 3 wpg with Co2 and good fert program will allow you to grow anything. More light = more issues. My fixture also has 4 x 36 watt bulbs (over a 65 mind you) but each pair has it's own switch. If yours does I'd just run one pair. Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue. Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:42
Trillian Hobbyist Posts: 68 Kudos: 166 Votes: 42 Registered: 14-Dec-2003	[font color="#800080"]Remember that it's easier to up the lighting if needed vs. trying to deal with massive algae issues from too much light before the plants are really ready to handle it :88). [hr width='40%']"Buttons are NOT Toys!"[/font]
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:42
sham Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 3369 Kudos: 2782 Votes: 98 Registered: 21-Apr-2004	5wpg in pc lighting is too much. Compacts put out more lumens than regular fluoros. I would not go over 4wpg with pc unless you have sunglasses for your fish.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:42
Sonic2041 Enthusiast Posts: 152 Kudos: 142 Votes: 19 Registered: 19-Dec-2004	I would be careful about running less bulbs on the same ballast because, i am not sure of this, but i think it will overcharge your bulbs and they will not last as long. i know pc's normally last about 6 months before they get dim.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:42
sham Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 3369 Kudos: 2782 Votes: 98 Registered: 21-Apr-2004	Compact bulbs don't have to be changed until they go out or if you want yearly. They don't dim as fast as regular fluoroscents. The reg bulbs do get dim after 6months and need to be changed within at least a year but preferably every 6months.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:42


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