High Light Fern Tank

Hi Tom,

I just wanted to run a new scenario by you to get your thoughts. I did a search and couldn't find any threads that deal with this type of scenario.

My friend is dropping off a 40g breeder tonight (36x16.5x17.5)(or something to this effect). I don't want to spend money on a new lighting system so currently I have 2 available to me. I have a Custom sealife 36" 96watt and I can build a new enclosure to place an AHsupply 96w.

I am thinking of using 2-96w over the tank because it is a fairly wide tank and the light distribution from just 1 bulb is terrible.

If I use 2 96w bulbs, the tank will have 4.8WPG wich is an enormous amount for just ferns......correct?

So here are my questions:



Should I use both bulbs, if so should I use a shortened photo period (say 5-6 hrs)?

Should I use CO2?

What should my dosing/water change routine be?




If using 4.8 WPG is a terrible idea please let me know and advise me as to what I should do.


I think I would prefer CO2 supplementation over a Diana Walstad method due to plant growth rates (but if you think I should go with the latter I am willing to try). I have only one year to set this tank up and grow the plants out. I am trying to get it ready for next years local fish club show (mid October 2007) which to me doesn't seem like very much time considering how slowly ferns grow.

As always, thank you for your time,

Ken Takeuchi

 

So it is finally set up!

now I just need a fertilization regime. The plants are all mosses or Java ferns except for the Rotala wallichii in the way back. I ended up using only 1 96 watt bulb over the 40gallon breeder tank. The front of the tank is all white sand and there is ADA aquasoil in the back corners where there is no white sand so I just moved the whole fixture towards the back a little. I have a fluval 304 filter on it and pressurized CO2 going into the intake of a powerhead which produces the finest CO2 mist that I have ever seen (seems to work very well, even the drop checker agrees!)

So what should my fertilization be? The demands shuldn't be as high, but then again overdosing never hurts Please let me know how much of everything I should be dosing. Also should I keep my CO2 at the 30ppm as suggested or can it be lower?

Thanks in advance,

Ken Takeuchi