rezis

Hello everyone.
I have 2 annubias, 3 java fern, and 2 other plants(don't know the name) that look like mini java fern. All low light plants.

After watching them grow, I think I want more plants. However I don't want add more if it might mess up the tank the way it is now. I'm also not using any co2 supplement/injectors.

I currently use one "Coralife 50/50 6000k actinic 03, F20-T12BP" bulb but I'm not sure how many watts it is. The light bulb is 23 inches long(measured with ruler).

I checked on http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2753938 and
http://www.fish.com/item/energy-save...t-lamp/710190/

my questions are:

1) Is it safe for me to assume my wattage is 20watts?

2) If so...20watts / 24 gallon = 0.8333333 WPG. After reading Isabellas low lighting plant guide, it seems the plants I currently have are ok with this lighting barely(right?). Since they are doing fine, can I add more of the same plants, and keep this lighting, or would i really be pushing it, and not worth the risk?

3) Buy better light? ( This is what im leaning toward, but im a cheap skate.)
(-.,-)

3a) If i buy better light + co2 injector, lets say medium lighting which is above 2.0wpg, will I still be able to keep low light plants AND medium light plants?

Sorry for the long post. I'm noob.

Nate McFin

Buying a stronger light also increases the need for nutrients and Co2 as well as patience. If you are the type that likes to learn and enjoys challenges go for it. Co2/highlight tanks are all about balance between the nutrients,Co2, and light. It can be very tricky to nail it. You may end up with Algae probs, dying plants, and alot of frustration. OR if you are like me...these things will own drive you to learn more.
If you want an aquarium that more easily maintained I would recommend keeping your current lights. You should be able to put more low light plants in there. Keep an eye out for algae and/or nutrient deficiencies in the plants. The more plants in the tank, again more need for nutrients. If you see algae or deficiency use a liquid based plant fertilizer such as Seachem Flourish (not Flourish Excel)
BTW Actinic bulbs are not the best for plants. They are more suited to reef set ups.When you are ready to buy a new bulb get on in the 6500-10000K range. I think you will like the looks better as well. Actinic bulbs (to me) seem to wash out the colors of plants.

mathas

Yes, the exact product page for that bulb is: http://www.oceanicsystems.com/produc...ent-lamps.php#.

WPG isn't always the best metric to base information upon, and this is one such case... half of your bulb emits 420nm blue light, which is a bit low for most freshwater plants.

So yes, you have .83WPG, but most plants aren't going to be able to use a good portion of your light. Your plants would likely fare better if you replaced the bulb with something designed for a freshwater tank, as Nate suggested.

Nate has you covered pretty well here.

Yes.

rezis

Thank you both very much for your responses, much appreciated.