I know Oscars don't seem to feel comfortable in high-lighted planted tanks. Since I do keep plants with them (mixed but encouraging results) I would like to bring the WPG to the upper limit that still would be comfortable for them. Any of you know or have a good idea what that safe or comfortable range might be?

I am currently running with barely 0.33WPG (nominal maximum). Would 1 or 1.5WPG be too much? would it be OK with 2WPG?

Thank you

Pepe
Santo Domingo

PS: Now experimenting with Vallisneria americana... and crossing my fingers!

I'd say it depends greatly on the individual fish. Try out 1 WPG and if your fish don't seem too stressed by it, bump it up to 1.5 WPG and try that out for a while. If you raise it slowly over time it should stress them less, but there's no way to say for sure what your particular fish will tolerate.

A programmable dimmer might also be helpful in decreasing the stress of higher lights. That way you could simulate dawn and dusk, not just have no lights or bright lights.

Thank you, I will take the slowly increase approach.

I did some calculations and today upgraded (temporarily) to 0.75WPG at the center area of the tank. I am keeping both ends (Oscars at LH, Severums at RH) as before, with 0.33WPG.

Pepe
Santo Domingo