Java Fern anger

[irishspy]

I have no idea how to add light.

You can probably just add a second single-bulb hood, or modify the existing hood to hold two lights (the former would probably be easier for you). Another 40w bulb would give you 80/55=1.45 watts per gallon, which should be fine for the Java Fern.

 

[lovemybarbs]

I'll look into this. The tops of 55 longs are fairly narrow. I don't see how I could add more without covering the lid side that opens.

 

[msjinkzd]

at www.ahsupply.com there are some conversion kits that might work for you and they have good instructions and good prices. hope this helps

 

[lovemybarbs]

Can't I just get a stronger bulb?

 

[lovemybarbs]

I'll look into getting a dual bulb fixture. This ticks me off. Mine isn't that old.

 

[msjinkzd]

you may be able to upgrade your fixture with the retrofit kits so that its not a complete loss.

 

[lovemybarbs]

I'm not the right person to be fiddling with electricity.

What about a dual bulb? I'm looking for one for a 48".

 

[nickmcmechan]

hold on there a minute..! wpg refers to fluorescent bulbs only, other bulbs will have different effects (ask the saltys about metal halide)...think the rex grigg site may hep get this one right

 

[dcewing]

Are you sure there's a problem? My ferns are making lots of babies and growing. The older leaves turn brown, get lots of holes, and basically just fade away. Could this be what yours are doing? I have very low light too--17 watts over a 20 gallon long. About the same as yours I think.

 

[lovemybarbs]

Are you sure there's a problem? My ferns are making lots of babies and growing. The older leaves turn brown, get lots of holes, and basically just fade away. Could this be what yours are doing? I have very low light too--17 watts over a 20 gallon long. About the same as yours I think.

I suppose they could be older leaves. I just bought them maybe a month ago to try and give them another go. I don't know how old the leaves are. I have some babies growing from my other plants I had.

I need to buy some potassium and iron I guess.