Power Compact Lighting WPG

[bmg213]

I am planning on upgrading my current lighting from regular fluorescent tubes @ 2x18w/1wpg to Power Compact lighting of either 1x65w or 2x65w. My goal is to be able to have a bunch of low light plants so that I can avoid the need for CO2. I am assuming that 2x65w/3.5 wpg in my 37 gal tank would require a CO2 system, and that 1/65w or 1.75 wpg would not. I am also assuming that at 1.75 wpg, it is still a bit on the low light side since everything I have read so far considers a min of 2 wpg for low light plants to do well.

In addition to my lighting, I have eco-complete as a substrate, and my water is a bit on the hard side.

The plants I am considering getting are all low light and I have listed them below:

Something from the Anacharis family:
http://aquariumplant.com/cgi-bin/cart/bp518.html

One or more Anubias:
http://aquariumplant.com/cgi-bin/cart/an607.html
http://aquariumplant.com/cgi-bin/cart/an049.html
http://aquariumplant.com/cgi-bin/cart/an628.html

Java Fern
http://aquariumplant.com/cgi-bin/cart/LL016.html

I know these are not the 'ideal' plants when it comes to having the perfect aquascaped layout, but I was hoping to get some thoughts on a mix of the above plants and how they would do in a tank with the parameters listed. Thanks in advance for your help/suggestions.

 

[malkore]

1.75wpg won't require CO2, and would grow teh plants you provided links to. You'd also be able to grow a lot of the 'easy' 'low-moderate' light plants out there, or at least give them a whirl.

 

[bmg213]

malkore...thanks so much for the feedback. I always look forward to hearing your thoughts.

 

[BASSNMAN]

I would go with the 2x65 fixture. You can but in bulbs as low as 35 watts for 70 total or mix and match to get what you want. If you decide later to add co2 just put in 2 65s. The bigger fixture gives you options. If you get 1x65, you can not go bigger without buying a whole new fixture. Often the twin bulb fixtures have 2 switches so you can run just 1 if you want.

 

[malkore]

Bassman,
You assume the 2x65w ballast is load sensing. Some are, some arent'. If its not, it will ONLY light 55/65w bulbs. Anything smaller or larger simply won't light at all.