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Hi there

I decided to redo my 72G discus tank due to technical and aquascaping problems. An inspection of my current lighting revealed something more appropriately termed 'nightlight' instead of high power. I want to upgrade to 4 x 65 W 6,700 K which should give me plenty of power, right? Or am I overdoing it now? Currently, all I can grow are echinodorus bleheri and vallisneria in abundance ... everything else that was there succumbed to lack of light. Input from the grand masters of planted tanks would be greatly appreciated (you know who you are ) before I threaten to start my own log - after upgrading.

Hi,
Thats a little over 3 and a half watts/gallon and should
be fine for just about any plant you run across.
With that much wpg you will probably also want to include
a commercial CO2 injection system (bottled gas).

Frank

-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Yes, CO2 is next on my shopping list ... I will check which set ups the plant and log ienthusiasts are using!

Hello Catdancer,

As Frank said, the light will be enough to pretty much grow anything in the tank. I'd just like to add that if you have that much lght and CO2 in addition, then also look into a fertilizing scheme. Under such high light and with the addition of CO2 the plants will use up a lot of nutrients. if you don't fertilize, you plants will look great for one or two weeks and then they start running out of food. That's usually when algae trouble starts showing its ugly face.

Best,
Martin

Martin,

Thanks for the input! Just ordered the lights and it is possible to hook them up to two timers, which is what I plan to do - using the full power of 260 W only for a couple of hourse while most of the time 130 W will be in use (something like simulating the sun). Does that sound reasonable? I am adding ferts currently liquid (seachem flourish, some iron) as well as in solid form as tabs and will check what the experienced 'gardeners' on this site are using to make sure that I am not setting myself up for the biggest algae bloom possible.

I also plan on adding new plants and any sugggestions are welcome!