happygirl65 said:
Lighting
So tell me this, if I have on 30W of NO fluorescent for part of the day...and then the 96W PC 67K for part of the day...then back to the 30 W.....would that do anything for me in terms of keeping algae at bay, or would I be better off just taking the 96W bulb down to 50/50? That would give me about 1.2 wpg ...but is that high enough for the large swords and anubias?
My other option is to run the 30W NO at the same time as the 96WPC (50/50) which would give me about 1.9wpg....am I pushing the limit there or could I still get away with no CO2?
CO2
DANG it, my budget is being squashed by my husband who thinks I have already spent too much on this new tank. (Not nearly as much as his motorcycle parts, but that's another issue...lol)
I found the CO2 system I want for 178 shipped everything but the tank (including monitoring system....drool...) and the tank will cost me another 60 shipped...then I have to take it somewhere and fill it...probably another 40-50 including the test ...so $278-288 is quite steep for me.
I guess I could just do DIY for a while too in terms of budget options, or dose excel....any word on those fizz tabs?
Swords would probably want more light then the single 50/50 or NO lighting. They would probably grow, but not so well. The anubias can be grown in a closet, with no light, and no water. OK that was exaggerating but you get the idea, they will grow practically under any conditions.
At this time I would not go with the electrolysis (the tech is just not cost effective right now), and the fizz tabs are junk.
To be honest, with a drop checker there is no need for a sophisticated monitoring system (pH monitor/solenoid). You just set the bubble rate appropriate for your target CO2 (based on a drop checker) and it will not change much at all regardless of temp swings in the house. And the best thing is at a later time you can always add the monitoring system.
My setup was from Rex Grigg and was about $160 shipped. This came with a regulator, low pressure regulator with needle valve, and an electronic solenoid so the CO2 goes on and off with the lights (3X savings of CO2 since my lights are only on ~9 hours per day). All top notch high quality parts (you can build the same system for much less but I don't skimp on safety when it comes to a literal bomb in my house). The 5lb bottle was $90 filled (purchased locally at a compressed air/CO2 welding supply shop).
So for about $250 I was all setup. The only thing you might need would be a $15 PH for your reactor and I would recommend a good quality air stone (such as a limestone airstone or other fine bubbler, under $10). So let's say $275 for a complete system that will rival all the high tech gadgetry of a monitored system.
Much easier on the wallet/purse and you have the flexibility at a later time to add on additional equipment if you really feel you need it.
HTH