20watts enough?

[mes1234]

So I just bought a used 45 gallon long tank and came with it was a light. I just took the bulb out today to find out how many watts it was. My question is that if I want to grow any plants, would 20 watts be enough. Also, if it wasnt enough, could I put a high wattage bulb into this plastic light without being a fire hazard.

[dtd87]

Possibly VERY LOW light plants, I've had success with java moss and java ferns with lighting similar to that.

[Michwol42795]

Yah, Java moss and Java ferns.

[odinthejd]

I suggest 2watts per gallon

[Mgamer20o0]

adding a higher watt bulb wont do anything. if you want more light you will need a new fixture or retrofit it.
http://www.fishneedit.com/

or look at the thread in the diy section about adding the cfl bulbs.

[Michwol42795]

I suggest 2watts per gallon

That would be better, but they can live in 20 watts in my opinion.

[jbradt]

It really depends on the type of plants you want to grow. If you want a low-light setup, I would recommend 1.5-2 wpg. If you go higher than that, you'll want to start considering CO2 and ferts.

[mikeb210]

Java moss might not die, but I doubt you'd see much growth.

[Michwol42795]

Java moss might not die, but I doubt you'd see much growth.

Exactly.

[Turbosaurus]

That's not even remotely enough light.You can keep java moss alive in the dark for 3 weeks as long as it doesn't dry out, but it won't grow. This is about the same thing.

[gmh]

some java fern and moss attached to the wood directly under the light. It may hold its own but not flourish. Maybe an anubias would do OK under the bulb. Keep the photo period long, like 14 hours a day.
That light that mg linked is the best deal I have seen out there for t5 lighting.

[Michwol42795]

That's not even remotely enough light.You can keep java moss alive in the dark for 3 weeks as long as it doesn't dry out, but it won't grow. This is about the same thing.

I've kept Java Moss alive in a similar setup for over a year.

[mikeb210]

Not dying and flourishing are two different principles though. If your only goal is for it to not die, then your light will suffice. If you have any desire for your aquarium to flourish, then get better lighting.


I've kept Java Moss alive in a similar setup for over a year.

[Michwol42795]

Not dying and flourishing are two different principles though. If your only goal is for it to not die, then your light will suffice. If you have any desire for your aquarium to flourish, then get better lighting.

Yah, I know. I'm aware that it wouldn't grow, but I'm saying it will stay alive.