Xref: 127.0.0.1 rec.aquaria.freshwater.plants:75536


"ferlin husky" wrote in message
news:Vy65b.39283$nf3.17766@fed1read07...
Hey guys! I am wanting to convert my 30gal aquarium into a lush planted
tank. I have a eclipse hood and this weekend I squeezed into it a 55w pc
fixture. Is this enough light that CO2 would be needed to ensure healthy,
growing plants? I would like to grow a nice variety of plants not just a
couple low-light varieties. I don't want to spend the extra money on CO2
if
it would not be beneficial. Anyone have any advice?
Thanks!



That's not what I'd consider a huge amount of light, IIRC lighting somewhere
in excess of 2 watts per gallon is where one should consider CO2 being
*required*. It can produce some spectacular results, though. Consider using
DIY CO2 for a few months to see if the results please you. If you really
want a spectacular tank, you might look at more light.
As far as other advice, consider your substrate carefully. It's
definately a YMMV subject, I prefer a plain sand sub, others like flourite,
or peat with gravel, and so on.
Have you read: http://faq.thekrib.com/plant.html ?

good luck!, post pics in .binaries if you can!