itafx said:
Is there any comprehensive formulation that has everything you need instead of having to buy a bunch of expensive components?
no, not really. sounds like some sort of miracle fert.
that's why many people move to dry, powdered ferts. allows you to dose N, P, K, and macros more precisely.
itafx said:
Isn't the time when you need CO2 when you start getting around 2.5-3 WPG? I didn't think I would need CO2 at 108W since that's under 2W per gal. It's hard to keep anything but low light plants alive in much less than 2W per gal.
CO2 need isn't dependent entirely on the wattage that you're pushing into the tank. Sure, it's a big part, but it's not the sole determinant. For the majority of tanks, carbon source is the limiting factor. Lighting usually isn't an issue, as most people overdo it. Then most people throw in ferts, and think that's plenty to get adequate growth.
Having a constant and consistent source of carbon, IME, has been the most beneficial part of a balanced planted tank.
Dosing excel every other day, on a tank of that size isn't constant or consistent. You'd be better off (and cheaper) using DIY CO2. Ideally, with that much wattage you'll want pressurized CO2. T5 HO lighting has a multiplier of 1.4 for wattage, thus rather than 108wt you have 151wt.
The WPG rule doesn't really work all that well when discussing T5 HO lighting. The actual lumen output is far more important than how much electricity is used. And T5 HO do quite well at lumen output. Thus your lighting is far more efficient than you're giving it credit for.