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davemonkey · 07-03-2009, 07:32 AM

Welcome to APC Theo!

First about the light. When it says 26Watts = 100 watt standard, it means the visual effect of light out put from a 26 watt compact flourescent is similar to what you would get from a 100 watt incandescent bulb. Long story short, it's still just 26 watts.

So, you have 26 watts over 15 gallons giving you 1.7 WPG, which is low light. So, good plants will be mosses, java ferns, Anubias, Bolbitus, Crypts, etc... You can use some moderate light plants if you decide to use some window light (El Natural method...but make you you read up on that before taking on sunlight). HC might grow since you have CO2, but don't get your feelings hurt if it all melts on you. HC has tiny leaves that can get covered in Diatom Algae in new set-ups, so maybe wait until your tank is out of that awkward period before planting it.

I'm not sure about the substrate, but I'd guess it's just fine. You might be able to avoid fertilizing at all since it's low light. Maybe use a few root tabs. That would keep you from having to fuss with weekly ferts.

Those are just my thoughts.

-Dave

07-03-2009, 07:32 AM	#2 (permalink)
davemonkey Moderator Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 2,750 iTrader Ratings: 20 iTrader Positive Rating: 100% Plant Points: 147350	Re: Need advice on my 15g Welcome to APC Theo! First about the light. When it says 26Watts = 100 watt standard, it means the visual effect of light out put from a 26 watt compact flourescent is similar to what you would get from a 100 watt incandescent bulb. Long story short, it's still just 26 watts. So, you have 26 watts over 15 gallons giving you 1.7 WPG, which is low light. So, good plants will be mosses, java ferns, Anubias, Bolbitus, Crypts, etc... You can use some moderate light plants if you decide to use some window light (El Natural method...but make you you read up on that before taking on sunlight). HC might grow since you have CO2, but don't get your feelings hurt if it all melts on you. HC has tiny leaves that can get covered in Diatom Algae in new set-ups, so maybe wait until your tank is out of that awkward period before planting it. I'm not sure about the substrate, but I'd guess it's just fine. You might be able to avoid fertilizing at all since it's low light. Maybe use a few root tabs. That would keep you from having to fuss with weekly ferts. Those are just my thoughts. -Dave