lighting for micro swords....

[Emg]

Is 2watts per gallon enough light for micro swords in a 20long tank ?

I have echo-complete for planted tanks as a substrate and I dose with florish excel every day. There is a dual strip light with 40watts total over this tank. I would like a nice low growing grassy type plant for the foreground but it's a bit of a challange to find something that would be happy with anything less than high lighting from what I have been reading.

I'm hoping with the tank being rather shallow that the 2wpg will be sufficient for these plants. Anyone have any experience with them ??

 

[emoore]

It will probably work but they won't grow as quickly. I say give it a try.

 

[djlen]

I'd say that you should have no problem with tenellus (if that's what you're talking about) in your 20L.
IME, and I have a bunch with tenellus, they are not nearly as light-needy as many of the low growing, grass-like plants.
And a 20L is a relatively short tank which is a plus for you.

Len

 

[phanmc]

If you're talking about Lilaeopsis (novae-zelandiae or brasiliensis), then you'll probably need more light.

 

[Emg]

The plant would be the Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae....Live aquaria says they need "moderate" lighting.....would moderate be 2-3 wpg ??

 

[phanmc]

I haven't been very successful with them with less than 3wpg, and even with 3wpg they're still very slow growing. Go ahead and give it a shot but if you aren't successful with them, try e.tenellus. They grow quite fast and are much easier to grow.

 

[Emg]

Thanks Phan, I'll look for those instead....easier is better in my world !!!