10 gallon tank lighting????

[roundedge4lfe]

I have a 10 gallon hex tank with diy co2 and a couple amazon swords and java fern and moss. I have a 18w coralife freshwater power compact on top with a regular 8w fl fixture. but the 8w got smashed today. (my dog)... Is the power compact enough or should I add another. I was thinking of putting a retro 13w in the old 8w fixture if need be. Any suggestions?
10 gallon hex
3 amazon swords
3 java ferns
a clump of java moss
planted in sand.
Another question would be what ferts should i be using. I have been using flourish excel

 

[$eaba$$]

well with the plants you have right now, you have plenty of light. Once you get into higher light plants, then yes, but if you are going to keep what you have now, it is more than good.

 

[roundedge4lfe]

18 watts is ok without the 8watt?? or should I get a new 8w?

 

[phanmc]

18w should be fine for the java fern and moss. The amazon swords could use more light but they are going to get huge and will need to be removed sooner or later, unless they're the less common smaller variety.

With that amount of light, Flourish (not the excel kind) should be enough. You may want to have some macro nutrients (potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus) on hand in case your plants start yellowing or looks unhealthy.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i would replace it 18w isnt much light. 30w isnt that much over a 10 gal.