I also have a 55 gallon. I was trying to grow some Java ferns and java moss with 2 15 watt bulbs. Within the last 3 weeks I've made the following improvements.
I decided to go with a custom glass top from hardware store (2 panels, I have a divider) left a 2" section free in back for the biowheel filter. I think that cost $10 total.
$40 light fixture from Lowe's (black and silver...it matches my aquarium)
2 $10 plant and aquarium, bulbs 40 watts each
5lb bag of schultz's aquatic potting soil $8
2 liter DIY CO2 $5
Three prong "heavy duty" timer $8
$12 GFCI duplex recepticle (swapped out my regular recepticle)
I kept one of my 15watt lights, it's laid over the half of the aquarium where the glass fits tightly. The old 2 prong timer switches the air pump on when the new 3 prong timer switches the lights off.
I'll post some pictures after the plants recover from the previous lighting setup and the addition of the aquatic potting soil. Today I saw little bubbles forming on plants for the first time...I hope this is a sign of progess.
I decided to go with a custom glass top from hardware store (2 panels, I have a divider) left a 2" section free in back for the biowheel filter. I think that cost $10 total.
$40 light fixture from Lowe's (black and silver...it matches my aquarium)
2 $10 plant and aquarium, bulbs 40 watts each
5lb bag of schultz's aquatic potting soil $8
2 liter DIY CO2 $5
Three prong "heavy duty" timer $8
$12 GFCI duplex recepticle (swapped out my regular recepticle)
I kept one of my 15watt lights, it's laid over the half of the aquarium where the glass fits tightly. The old 2 prong timer switches the air pump on when the new 3 prong timer switches the lights off.
I'll post some pictures after the plants recover from the previous lighting setup and the addition of the aquatic potting soil. Today I saw little bubbles forming on plants for the first time...I hope this is a sign of progess.
