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Length of break-in period for new tank
Subject: Length of break-in period for new tank
> Most plants are growing but
> not at the spectacular rates that my 55 does, and the lilleaopsi
> spreading at all. Is the algae problem a result of the lower li
> intensities, and relatively few plants? Should I wait and see w
> as the plants settle in, or break down and get some more intense
> (VHO or MH).
Since I use 6 4' bulbs ver my 4' 70G tank, from my perspective,
your tank is seriously under-lit. If at the same time, the tank
is not densely planted, it's no wonder you have algae and slow
growth. While it is _possible_ to end up with a healthy
attractive planted tank adding a few plants at a time, it is the
very hardest way to do it. The _easy_ way is to plant _densely_
(60-70% of the bottom area) at set-up.
> A second question. Would a 400w MH be overkill, or just right f
> size tank. Or should I go for 2 smaller
> lights?
I assume your tank is about 240G? (I think the 4x2x2 tank is a
120G) If so, 400W is definitely still on the low side. Also,
MH's have very strong, localized light. People with even 4' tanks
usually use 2 (smaller) MH bulbs to give adequate coverage. On an
8' tank, I suspect you'd need at least 3, maybe 4 for good
distribution. Alternatively, you can still add a lot more
fluorescent tubes than you're currently using, particularly if you
use the narrower T-8's.
Karen Randall
Aquatic Gardeners Assoc.
Boston, MA