[smit3183]

I just upgraded my lighting from dual T8's to a Catalina single T5 HO on my 55 gallon. I was told on another forum that my its so much of an upgrade that I will have an algae farm if I don't use excel or use co2. I wanted this to still be a non co2 tank and just dose flourish weekly. It will be an open top heavily planted. Is this guy correct with his statement?

 

[tankman12]

You may want to do some diy co2 and excel. It will help greatly. But it all depends on what plants your keeping.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[smit3183]

You may want to do some diy co2 and excel. It will help greatly. But it all depends on what plants your keeping.
Posted via Mobile Device

I know absolutely nothing about doing co2. I was told before I bought this fixture that it' would still be a low tech tank. I have Jungle val, watersprite, Brazilian pennywort, Giant Hygro, wisteria, amazon sword .

 

[tankman12]

You should be fine.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Mikaila31]

Your lighting at approx 1wpg of T5HO is considered medium lighting and non co2 requiring by most. DIY co2 and excel are both total wastes of money. I run 2 T5HO over a 55g and use on/off pressurized co2. Meaning it runs co2 till it runs out then it takes me at least a month, usually two between realizing its empty and bothering to refill the system. The tank really never seems to care that much. If anything you will get the most benefit from extra fertilizers. CO2 is just a single nutrient and you are more likely to deplete a number of other nutrients before CO2 becomes an issue.

 

[smit3183]

Your lighting at approx 1wpg of T5HO is considered medium lighting and non co2 requiring by most. DIY co2 and excel are both total wastes of money. I run 2 T5HO over a 55g and use on/off pressurized co2. Meaning it runs co2 till it runs out then it takes me at least a month, usually two between realizing its empty and bothering to refill the system. The tank really never seems to care that much. If anything you will get the most benefit from extra fertilizers. CO2 is just a single nutrient and you are more likely to deplete a number of other nutrients before CO2 becomes an issue.

Thanks! This is the educated response I was looking for. Was starting to panic that I had made a bad decision on this fixture. I know things have to be in balance to achieve good growth and not have algae out of control but I have a nice simple plan that I'm sure will work. I just became frustrated with the dual T8 these last 3 years. I could only grow a couple plants and even those never reached full potential .

 

[tankman12]

A diy setup is only 10 bucks, that is why i brought it up.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[smit3183]

A diy setup is only 10 bucks, that is why i brought it up.
Posted via Mobile Device

I appreciate the suggestion but like I said I have no knowledge of running a co2 system

 

[Flint]

My 10g is high light with some stems, downoi and a bunch of crypt wendtii bronze and I don't use co2 or excel, I simply dose flourish every 3-4 days and I also keep a small group of otos to handly my diatoms. Works like a charm.

 

[Mikaila31]

CO2 isn't hard to run, its just on a 55g a DIY setup will not be effective. DIY does have cheap setup but the running cost of sugar and yeast can be more then you expect on a tank that size. Plus the constant watching and maintenance the DIY systems take. Excel is a tricky subject. You can use it if you want, but I personally would not. My take on CO2 is either go pressurized and be happy you did or simply avoid it entirely. You can run a lot of light before CO2 is a must.