TJ14

So, I've had a planted tank filled with Vallisneria, Java Moss, and Java Fern for about 8 months now.... And I guess I'm not pleased with the results. My vallisneria just aren't growing well. Theyre not dying or anything, just not really growing. I'm just wondering if you guys could help me out. Im new to planted tanks. I've done a tonne of research, so I thought I'd be okay, but I'm guessing that my lighting isn't enough, even though I thought I was fine. Could you guys steer me in the right direction? My tank is a 28 gallon. I've got one 18" 8,000 K 15W T8 full spectrum daylight bulb, and another fixture with two bulbs, both a 6700 K T5 bulb, 24", which I'm pretty sure is 24 W. Is this enough light for Vallisneria? Thanks!

Also, the pH is 7.9.

Slingo

Are these V. Spiralis? I've tried corkscrew with little success but the spiralis grow like weeds for me.

My guess would be your lighting. That's pretty much all they really need and will grow in plain old gravel. I have some in med- high lighting with diy co2 and the leaves are 18+ inches long and shoot off runners like crazy. Compared to another tank I have that's low tech low light they don't grow much. They just kind of sit there.

Easiest way to tell is by the leaves: if they look spindly, and arent growing then yes it's probably lighting.

If it helps any I have good success with 2 x 54 watt t5 over a 55 gallon. One bulb is a 12,000k power white and the other is a pink "freshwater flora".

Hang in there