how much watts per gallon is too much

[Big Ben]

hi I'm sort of a rookie, got my 10 gal with java moss and java fern goin on. I have compact fluorescent lighting...i have 3 sets of bulbs, one set gives me 2.6 watts per gallon, another 3 watts and the other gives 4, which one would be best for my java moss and java fern? thanks

oh and is it ok to live my java ferns floating until i can find some small driftwood?

 

[Lonewolfblue]

I would just go with the 2.6w/g. That's more than enough light. You might even want to get Flourish Excel and dose. I think the java fern would be just fine floating til you get something to attach it to.

 

[malkore]

java ferns and moss will do fine with 1wpg. so I wouldn't go beyond 2.6wpg.. and that is still gonna require CO2 injection and watching your macronutrient levels.

I would put some other fast growing stem plants in as well to outcompete algae.