Will this be enough lighting for my new tank?

[Flohrie]

I just bought a 3 foot tank, 36x18x18.

The most and easiest lighting I can get here in Australia is a 91cm Compact Flouro with 2 x 36w 10000k bulbs, so 72 watts.

This means about 1.5watts per gallon.

Now all I mainly want is Java Fern, Java or Willow Moss, Hairgrass, Anubias Nana and maybe some Cambomda.

Now I think it should all be ok except for the hairgrass and Cambomda.

Any thoughts on whether this will be ok? The only C02 I'll be having for a while is DIY.

 

[djlen]

You are OK on everything, but also right about the Cobomba and the hair grass, although you should give them a try and let us know how you make out. With CO2 they may do OK.

Len

 

[Richer]

If you want to supplement your lighting, and are not afraid of a little bit of DIY work, check out your nearest hardware store and get yourself some flourescent shop lights.

However, if you're new to plants, I would hold off on the extra lighting. Stick to your current lighting system until you get the hang of CO2 injection and limited fertillizer dosing. After you're confident enough, go ahead and add your lights... just remember that with extra light, a good CO2 concentration and good fertillizer dosing is a must.

HTH
-Richer

 

[Flohrie]

Ok well I'll go with the compact then maybe add another few lights if need be.

Thanks for the help