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View Full Version : Upgrading tank/Lighting questions


Maestro
12-29-2009, 09:37 PM
It is very possible that I will be upgrading my nano low-light planted to a 15 gallon soon. I have a 24" Coralife fixture in storage that would be perfect for this tank, however it is has a 65 watt compact bulb. My current tank has about 8 watts, which is only about 1.5 WPG.

What would be the best way to acclimate my plants (Java Fern, Java Moss) from 1.5 WPG to 4.3 WPG? Would I need to get a CO2 system?
rich311k
12-29-2009, 09:38 PM
No acclimation needed. CO2 would be a very good idea. You could get a 50/50 bulb so the wattage would be reduced a bit.
Maestro
12-29-2009, 09:47 PM
Thanks for the quick reply Rich. I don't have the money to buy a good quality CO2 system, but will this one due? Or possible a DIY CO2?

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754083
rich311k
12-29-2009, 09:50 PM
You would be better off making your own, less money and more effective.
Lab_Rat
12-29-2009, 10:16 PM
I think my light caused my java ferns to die off (65w PC over 29g) so you may want to make sure they're a bit shaded. Mine melted like crypts tend to do, was very weird. The ones in the shaded areas didn't melt. Just something to consider.
rich311k
12-29-2009, 10:26 PM
Did they bounce back? Mine are under high light and are monsters.
Lab_Rat
12-29-2009, 11:04 PM
No, they completely melted. Was weird, the lighting was the only thing I could figure as others were ok since they were shaded. It was totally like a crypt melt, only with java fern.
Maestro
12-30-2009, 02:07 AM
No, they completely melted. Was weird, the lighting was the only thing I could figure as others were ok since they were shaded. It was totally like a crypt melt, only with java fern.
That's very interesting Lab Rat. I suppose I can put in a few of my Ferns as a test, as not to obliterate all of them.