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My plants seem to be doing pretty well, but could be better with a higher watts per gallon ratio. Right now I don't even have 1W per gal., more like .75W per gal. (from a single 15W flo bulb system). That's the downfall of owning a 20 gal. planted aquarium, I've found that options are limited when it comes to upgrading the lighting system. Could someone recommend what I have in the way of lighting options please? Anything available at Big Al's?

I cut some trimmings off my Anacharis and planted 2 small bunches with 4 stems in each. Does anyone propagate their plants? Any sites out there that cover this topic? (propagation).

Thanks ahead of time.

I would only upgrade to higher lighting if you have some plants that require it, or would like plants that require higher lighting. If your plants are doing well enough to require trimming, why bother?

But to answer your question, there are alot of options to upgrade lighting on a 20G tank. Some are expensive, some are not. The first thing I would suggest though is getting a clear lid for the tank, something like [link= this.]http://www.all-glass.com/products/hoods/index.html " style="COLOR: #FF0000[/link] A glass lid will allow you to put an extra strip-light, which you can find at home depot for pretty cheap. Or maybe some compact flourescent [link= like this]http:// www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=24071;category_id=1875;pcid1=1843;pcid2= " style="COLOR: #FF0000[/link] which would give you over 2 wpg. This also might be able to fit on your current hood, though I am not sure.

Trimming stem plants like anacharis, removing some of the bottom leaves, then planting the trimmings, is a generally accepted way to propagate vegitatively.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Most of my plants require medium light, with the exception of the Anubias 'Nana' it will be fine with low and medium lights.

The link for the strip light wasn't working, so I fixed it for ya!

http://www.bigalsonline.ca/catalog/product.xml?product_id=24071;category_id=1875;pcid1=1843;pcid2=

I'm going out in a short while so I'll look into some other lighting options.

Thanks mattyboombatty

I just had the exact same question! It seems like everyone is realizing how much better a beutifully live planted tank is! Here is the link:
http://fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Planted%20Aquaria/52749.html?200501112209
I ended up getting one from that fish place, a satellite 24", it is awesome and it has 65 watts, which is more than 3 wpg which is awesome!
BTW i paid around $55 dollars for it, which was awesome!

Last edited by Hooktor at 14-Jan-2005 19:53

Here is the light that i bought:
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=29597;category_id=1869

That's alot of wattage, nice! and thanks for the links I went to my LFS and spoke with a staff member about my situation and any possible ways of fixing it... spend $120CDN!! No no, that wasn't his sudgestion, he was a big help. But that's what it would cost me for the same setup as you got (the 24" satellite model right?). There's also the 24" All-Glass compact flo strip light, same price with 55W output.

Hope your enjoying your new lighting system!

Getting the extra 10 watts will definitnley put you in the high light plant range. Get the 65 watt, if you can get it for the same price of a 55 watt!