Small Tank Lighting...

[jaarus]

I have a small tank that was being used as a fry tank.

Its an odd shape.
(L)18" x (W)10" x (D)12" - so its about 8g UK or 9.5g US

I want to grow some pretty low light plants - Java Moss, Java Ferns and maybe something else that is short (suggestions welcome)


Now the tanks hood had no light with it and as it was just a fry tank I bought one of those mini 15w aquarium lights that arcadia do (tiny bulb, reflector etc).
Fine for a fry tank but useless I would gather for plants.

The hood design has a 12" x 5" recess that could hold small strip lights.
How much lighting would I need? - confused by the WPG and small tanks.

--- Cant do open top as it will be home to a Betta and them guys like to jump!

 

[Graeme Edwards]

The lighting you have should be fine for what you are wanting to grow, and i presume you will be going the non Co2 rought, which is fine for the WPG you have, you can always suppliment with some Seachem excel. Onyx sand by Seachem is suposed to be very good with low light set ups, this is due to is high content in complex carbon, so you may not even need to add excel.

As for plants, have a look through the plant listing on HERE and check the lighting requierment of the plants you like, you will be suprised what you can grow in your tank, even some moderate light plants will grow providing they have a carbon sorce.

Regards,
Graeme.

 

[jaarus]

Thanks for the reply - will check out the link provided.

Dont think the bulb will be adaquate though, as its very orange in its glow unlike the white light than my planted tank has (no expert on light spectrums mind you!) but its more like a standard bulb used around the house.

Its also a very small light:

_______________
___ / \
<| | | <-- about this big literally
<|___ | |
\________________/


I know the WPG rule (well guideline) goes out the window when talking about really small or massive tanks, just not sure to what extent.


damn - well THAT didnt work hahaha!

Its about 2" long


Update:
I have decided to have a go at planting in anycase and if they start to take a turn for the worse then I will upgrade the lighting either to an 18w Triplus T5 PC or if I have room then a 24w Dayplus T5 PC - Dont think I would need to do CO2 but I could always rig up another DIY its no problem.
I also plan on planting up my 33g with low light plants (simply because I cant afford to upgrade the lighting) so will try some Ceratophyllum demersum or the 'Foxtail' variety in there and some mosses etc.
Wish me luck!