[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
LightSwords
Tom Wood wrote:
> I had recently re-lamped, so there was obviously way
> too much light energy going into the tank, even with
> CO2 and relatively high fertilization. Conclusion: LESS
> light led to a better tank in this case. N and P are
> still at or below test detection threshold levels and the tank
> looks great, lots of pearling and minimal algae.
Tom, it sounds like you've found a sweet spot, and who am I to quibble
with success? I think what you've discovered is a proper balance of
macronutrients, CO2 and environmental conditions. You could have
reached a balance at the higher light level as well, probably by
providing more N and P, but it's tougher to do and the margin for error
is smaller. Tom Barr used to say that running a tank with a high
metabolic rate is like driving at speed. It's exciting, but your
reflexes have to be fast, and crashing is, well, more painful than at
lower speed!
michael rubin ~ san francisco