Upgrading tank/Lighting questions

**Maestro** · 12-29-2009, 08:37 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, 08:38 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, 08:47 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/inde...ductId=2754083

**rich311k** · 12-29-2009, 08:50 PM

You would be better off making your own, less money and more effective.

**Lab_Rat** · 12-29-2009, 09:16 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, 09:26 PM

Did they bounce back? Mine are under high light and are monsters.

**Lab_Rat** · 12-29-2009, 10:04 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, 01:07 AM

Originally Posted by Lab_Rat

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.