Slow growing java moss

[chunkoblue]

I got some java moss about a month ago and it doesn't seem to be growing much at all.. I've got it in a 20 gallon (tall) with 15 watt aquarium bulb. Is the problem not enough light? Here's some more info:

Ammonia 0.0 ppm
Nitrite 0.0 ppm
Nitrate 20 ppm (why I got the java moss in the first place)
dGH 12
dKH 9
pH 7.8

According to a chart I have, with a pH of 7.8 and dKH of 9 the CO2 is low ( I do not use buffers). Could this also be why it is growing so slow?

[Mgamer20o0]

add more light and see what happens. i would look into the power compact screw in light bulbs that you can find at places like walmart or home depot. they now sell them upto 42w i have been told.

[fresh_newby]

java moss grows well in light, CO2, ferts and cool temps. If you do the low tech method, then cool temps, and 2wpg will help it grow a little better than what you have now.

[chunkoblue]

Here's my current solution... more light! My question is will this be bad for my fish (i.e. hurt their eyes?) The hood has a 18" 15 watt bulb, and the bulb on the side is a 13 watt compact flourescent.

[Mgamer20o0]

the fish will be fine.

[Marinemom]

Java moss IME can and does grow for me even in the dark. I have a nice bit of it growing in a tank that currently has 2.8 watts of light but I also have it growing in my betta tank that has incadescent lighting. If the java moss is not growing to your liking then I would probably just go ahead and add some more light and see what happens.

Marinemom

[cohazard]

Judging by the pic, I'd say it was the spectrum of the bulb. Just a guess though.