Thinking Of Improving My Wpg

[flix_cw]

My current WpG is a measly 0.5.

I have a 12", 8W T5 sylvania grolux tube in my 2ft, 15g planted tank. The arcadia starter controller only goes up to 8W so i can't just shove in a higher wattage tube.

Due to the hood, i can't fit in an 18" T5 tube, even if i bought a new starter unit.

However, T8 tubes are available in 15", and would fit nicely in the hood. These come as 14W tubes, which would give me a massive 0.9 WpG!

A starter unit averages £20, 14W tube i can get for £10, is this upgrade worth it for ~£30?

Would i really see a noticeable increase in growth rate (if ferts and liquid carbon dosing was altered accordingly)?

 

[flix_cw]

A chap on the UKAPS forum suggested i went for a compact T5, 24W bulb and starter unit to give me a much better value WpG for what my space and budget allows.

Good idea? Can't find the starter unit ANYWHERE online though

 

[SuperColey1]

I personally wouldn't go for the CF. £30 to add 14 W isn't worth it IMO. You ould make a new hood, buy ballasts and end caps and put 2 ft tubes in for double that!!!

AC

 

[flix_cw]

Ha, i'm not in the slightest bit DIY really. I'd like to be though.

Sounds like a lot of work. Might just leave it all be and just accept the slow growth rate!

 

[CletePurcel]

Ha, i'm not in the slightest bit DIY really. I'd like to be though.

Sounds like a lot of work. Might just leave it all be and just accept the slow growth rate!

I recently upgraded my lighting using the Hagen Glo kit (I got one off ebay). It wasn't that difficult, but I did need some tools. Pictures are here:

http/myaquariumlog.blogspot.com/2011/03/upgrading-lighting.html

It made a big difference to the way the fish looked and more than doubled my wpg.