Recomendation on low-light 25g tank

[yhbae]

This tank is 30x12x16. I only have 20w bulb that came with the kit, and I'd rather not upgrade this bulb if not necessary.

Currently, I have some java moss and java ferns in my tank. They seem to grow quite well - both are showing good process.

The question I have is, are there any other plans that I can grow in this environment? My water is real soft, KH is at 2 degree (or less), and GH is around 5 degree.

Appreciate any feedback.

[djlen]

Unfortunately it is hard to grow anything really successfully at your wattage. Minimum wattage for most plants is 1 watt/gal.
And that would be for only the lowest light needy plants.
You could try come Crypt. Wendtii and some Anubia and they might grow for you in addition to what you're keeping.
Adding to your problem is that at 16" of depth, the little light you're supplying will have much difficulty penetrating to the lower parts of the tank.
There are however, many options for increasing light and many are not that expensive. This is something that you should consider if you intend to get into a planted tank.

Len

[yhbae]

Hmm... I did buy another used tank after perchasing and cycling the 25g tank...

On that one, it came with two light sources, each handling two 30w bulbs (it's a 33g tank). So in total, it can handle 120w... I was going to use it for growth tank for fries and wasn't sure what to do with all that lights, but perhaps I should become more serious with plans? :D

Say if I proceed with this, is CO2 pump a must? (I'd guess so, since lights will promote more photosynthesis which requires CO2...)

Is 120w too much? (I believe the previous owner was using it as a reef tank)

[tanker]

CO2 is only needed if you have lots of plants and lots of light (IMO). Get a CO2 measureer before adding CO2. Will drop your PH drastically if not monitored. I use CO2 and plants grow crazy!!
but I have 4 watts per gallon too.

[yhbae]

What does CO2 measurer look like?

From what I have read, you can derive the level of CO2 by measuring KH and pH... Would this be sufficient?

[tanker]

I use the Dupla CO2 monitor.


I do not know how to derive CO2 level from KH and PH.

[Starry]

Originally posted by yhbae
What does CO2 measurer look like?

From what I have read, you can derive the level of CO2 by measuring KH and pH... Would this be sufficient?

Yes, reading off the CO2 concentration from a chart/graph is quick, and it's the method that pretty much everyone uses.
Try this link: http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/CO2/kh-ph-co2-chart.html
Also, you don't need to do KH measurements every time, since it tends to stay constant. So a quick pH measurement is usually all you need. Remember that adding CO2 lowers pH. The softer the water (ie. low KH), the more drastic the pH change.

I would strongly suggest using the 33g for plants. You will have a good amount of light to grow pretty much any plant, but you will absolutely need to add CO2 and fertilize. Sounds like you've been doing a bit of homework though, so you're on the right track. I wouldn't expect a lot from the low light tank. Maybe add the plants that djlen suggested, but keep in mind that the Anubias are slow growers and they're expensive.