How many watts for a 55 gallon for java fern and gava moss?

hi i have a 55 gallon tank with two floresent light bulbs side by side one is a power-glow and the other is some weird brand but would java fern or java moss grow in that. I dont want to get a new light set up or any of that stuff buy i would get new bulds (18in) or what kind of floresent bulbs would work? and if your going to tell me that i need a new hole set up dont bother!

How many watts for a 55 gallon for java fern and gava moss?
java moss and java fern grow easily in most light just get some fluresent tube lights and run them for a hour a day and your plants will be fine
Reply:Java moss and fern are pretty low light plants. They will grow OK under almost any sort of light.



Just get some and try it out. Run the lights for 10-12 hours a day and those plants should grow fine.



Ian
Reply:With those two plants, you can pretty much choose your lights based on how they make things look to you in the tank - they are definitely not picky about light.



When you do go to replace your bulbs, I would suggest that you broaden your search pattern a bit.... Don't confine yourself to looking in pet stores. You can get daylight fluorescent bulbs dirt cheap at place like Home Depot. All you need to do is get the right length and diameter. (Easy task there, they only come in a few different diameters)



I prefer to keep the lights on 12 hours a day, but you really don't have to. I had tossed some Java Moss in a half filled 10g tank on the floor when I was tearing down a tank, and I forgot about it. There was no light on the tank and the room was unused so the only light was what came in thru the window with the blinds closed. I was pretty surprised when I saw that after a month the moss had kept growing.



You've chosen probably the best plants possible, IMHO, for a low light, no hassle tank.



Just remember - don't bury the rhizome (thick part that the leaves come off of) of the Fern - they *hate* that. :)



If you decide to add more plants later, here is a list of plants that will thrive in low light: http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_list...
Reply:110 watts should do