Is it enough light??

[ela]

Hello everyone!

Im trying my luck with real plants and was wandering if 40watts would be enough for my 55 gallon? right now I don't have co2. I am using some plantabbs aquarium plant food(11-15-20) Do you think this is alright? The plants that I bought are, Moneywort, Bronze Wendth, Amazon Sword and some Micro sword. I also have some java fern. Any suggestions would be helpful. If I need more light, what should I get? Thank you!!

 

[Blueiz]

You will need at least 2 to 3 watts per gallon to have a successfully planted tank with an assortment of plants, unless you want to do low light plants such as java moss and ferns. The micro sword is a plant that requires high ligh, upwards of 3.5 to 4 watts per g. You currently have .72 watts per gallon. You really dont need to worry about injecting co2 til reach 2 w per g or above. As far as ferts go...you really should upgrade your lighting as it's a nutrient as well, if the nutrients get out of balance, you are going to have an algae bloom.

Im sure some of the more experienced ppl can detail more..and correct me if I am wrong..

Blue

 

[J double R]

i agree. i'm running almost 4wpg on my 29g with co2 injection, flourish, flourish excel, those planttabbs, and it is growing quite well. get some better lighting and you'll be on the right track.