Can I Grow HC Carpet With This?

[ianeberle]

I want to grow an HC carpet in my 10 gallon tank. I have pressurized CO2 and a CFL light fixture. There are two 14w 5000k CFL bulbs over the tank.

I can always upgrade to 20w CFLs or get 6000k ones, but I was wondering if my current setup would be adequate.

 

[Billbug68]

What kind of substrate and what kind of fixtures are the bulbs in? It would probably grow better with 2 20watt bulbs depending on the fixtures. Don't forget, you must keep a balance. More light and co2 require more ferts.

 

[ianeberle]

It's Eco-Complete substrate. The bulbs are GE bulbs I got at Lowes and they are in an Aqueon incandescent strip light fixture.

Aqueon Incandescent Strip Lights at PETCO

Do you think I would be better off getting a T5 fixture?

 

[Billbug68]

10 gallons can be tricky to light. A single t5ho is actually way too much for it. CFLs seem to get the job done. I'd say try the 20 watts since you have co2 and see how it goes. What is your fertilizing like?

 

[ianeberle]

Just Flourish N, P, and K and then the comprehensive Flourish. And then pressurized CO2.

 

[Billbug68]

I'd place some root tabs around the tank just to be safe and plant the HC. Seems like you've got everything you need.

 

[aqua_chem]

You should be able to grow it. The only question is how compact it will grow.