I have a 75 (4' x 18" x 18") with 64 watts of t8 over it. I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars upgrading to a light that uses more power, especially when most of my fish prefer subtle lighting.
I've been fairly successful in growing Anubias barteri and Bolbitis heudelotii in it, but can I keep Vallisneria spiralis? I have a light colored sand substrate, which helps by reflecting some light.
hi, im not 100% on the growth of the plant under low light conditions, but you can get a nice T5 HO from catalina aquariums for a very, veery good price and the T5s are energy efficient and they last much longer than compact flourescent. just though i mention it
Why not just get one plant, and give it a try? Most lfs's sell it, since it is a very common plant. You might be out a buck or two at most. Vals do tend to be sensitive to Excel, but some folks have grown it, especially if you do not od the Excel.
Definitely keep us updated on how they work out in your lighting, jschall. I have 1.8 WPG T8 on my 20 gallon long with plain gravel, and I was considering Vals too. I would like them to "drape" over the surface water and add more shady spots. I don't have anything right now that gives me that effect.
Will Vallisneria spiralis grow in my light? 
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