Live Aquarium Plants

Dave W. wrote:
Thanks for the advice! Is there a decent lighting setup for a 10 gal.
that you can recommend? Perhaps I will invest in something more
adequate if necessary.

You're welcome. :-) I love planted tanks.

There's no reason not to try what you have first. You can always add
more light and more demanding plants.

If I were setting up a new 10 gallon planted tank, I'd move my 36W power
compact fixture to it. I have it on a 15 gallon tall tank (same
footprint as a 10) and it's not as bright as I would like at the bottom
of the tank. I think it would be perfect for 10 gallons. I bought my
JKS brand 36W fixture locally and it's a small one with a 17" long
double tube and a straight 4-pin base. I've never seen a similar
fixture by mail order but you can ask around.

Coralife Aqualight makes a 20" 28W fixture that would also work. It
comes with a 50/50 bulb so you have to buy a 6700K bulb separately for
it. Buy the "legs" to lift the fixture up off of the tank. CF lights
run rather hot and 10 gallon tanks heat fast.
http://www.hellolights.com/201xcoraqpch.html

You will need to plant heavily and use Excel or CO2 once you're up
around 30W over a 10 gallon tank. Algae is fond of bright light so you
want to be sure the plants establish fast and keep the upper hand.

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