OK, one more Light Question

[superstein61]

OK, I have read all the 2 to 4 watt per gallon recommendations for heavily planted tanks. But I want to know what the plant experts here recommend as adequate for a lightly planted tanks with plants which are on the low light requirement end.

Basically - I can't / won't go to 2 to 4 watts right now - LOL. And I don't think I have to.

Here is what I have / plan in a 4 foot wide 72 gallon tank.

4 Java ferns
1 Bolbitis Fern
Java Moss

All of the above are attached to small pieces of driftwood or coocnut shells - (so they are portable, can be removed for trimming, etc)

I plan to add one Anubias Barteri Nana, some flotaing water sprite and some Riccia Flutans (about 5" square) which I will attach via a mesh net to some driftwood.

All of these (except maybe the Riccia) are supposed to be low light plants. So what is the LOWEST light requirement I can get away with, and not have the plants die -

Actually, I would like them to do ok, but I don't need a thriving jungle growing. Just enough so they grow a little and look good. Thanks

 

[djlen]

Hey supe......if you intend to go with low light plants such as all the plants you just mentioned and don't intend to add CO2, IMO you will do fine with 1 - 2 watts per gallon. If I had it to do all over again I'd go with what I just suggested to you. I've got one tank, 55 gallon with 80 watts that does just fine with the low light plants, and another tank, 40 gallon with 110 watts and that one is the biggest pain in the butt, basically because the algae is driving me crazy. My 55 is much less worry and much less maintenance. Just one person's opinion......
Len

 

[superstein61]

Len, thanks - Yea, I was hoping to hear that I thought if I get to at least 1 watt per gallon (I would probably go with 80 watts on my 72 gallon tank) and just these low light plants, I would be ok. Thanks for confirming your experience.

Wonder if anyone else has similiar results