Red plants that are ok in low light.

[superjohnny]

Title says it all. I'm looking for something red that will work in my 6g with 8w of light and something that will live in my 45H with 96w.

Tiger lotus didn't work so well.

[carpguy]

Seems to me that the reddish ones tend to be higher light plants, or that they redden at higher light levels and are mostly green at lower levels. There are some crypts that have red parts (stems, underleaves), and I've had pretty good luck with both Rotala indica and Ludwigia repens in my moderately lit (2.4 wpg, fairly short) tank. Both keep a little pink, but mine aren't massively red -- more light would make a difference. Some of the reds are also sensitive to nitrite levels (redder at lower levels).

But then again, my tiger lotus is all good -- what are you doing for ferts and CO2? The problem may not be with the lighting…

[superjohnny]

It's definitely the lighting... I have 1 red, a Rotala magenta. It is about 18" tall right now, but the bottom 6" is all but dead. The top thrives, but the bottom just can't get the light. Kinda weird looking... I'll post a pic.

Thanks for the heads up, I'll look into your suggestions :)

BTW a 24" deep tank with 2wpg doesn't work for medium-high light plants. My crypts, anubias, java fern, moss and anything that can reach the top 2/3 of the tank do well, but nothing that is a medium/high light plant or not real tall.

So I'm kind of at an impass. Either I upgrade my lighting and CO2 or I don't. If I upgrade my hood & add another 96w PCF light I will have to quit the DIY CO2 and go with a pressurized system.

I am also desperately in need of a new aquascape. It's fun to have work to do :)

[Skittyfish]

I have what was sold to me as "red melon swords" . My tank is only 24" tall, and I have 110 watts on it. Check out my pictures, I am sure you can see it.