What kind of lighting?

[fred]

I have a 44g corner tank that I've recently added some plants too. I have some Java Fern and Moss, a sword plant and I think Wisteria. Just wondering what kind of lighting I should be using? Right now I just have an aquarium bulb, I think 15 w (sorry I don't have more info). I was thinking I should get a brighter bulb (maybe 40w?). Don't know much about different bulbs and lighting and what not....yet . Thanks in advance for your help

 

[fred]

So I posted the same thread in freshwater planted...darn it I think I keep posting questions in the wrong forum :/. Sorry if I am folks !!!

 

[Crepe]

What type of seat does the bulb have? Is it a fluorescent strip? If so, your fixture probably can't take anything other than 15 watt bulbs. You'll need a brand new fixture. The cheapest way to do this is getting T8 fluorescent bulbs and some shop light fixtures at a hardware store.

 

[fred]

Im not sure, I bought the tank used and it has the fixture that came with it (the seller told me it was a kit from Walmart). It only has room for one bulb, so I bought one (before I put plants in) from home depot. The bulb says for plants/aquarium but I just don't think it's bright enough as my java fern has brown spots? Sorry but would mind explaining what T8 is?

 

[fred]

Okay never mind about the T8 explanation...googled it

 

[fred]

The bulbb says F15T8 plant and Aquarium...good enough?

 

[Crepe]

F15T8 means 15 watts T8 bulb. I don't really think that's enough for anything outside fish viewing. You want at least 60-100watts T8 on a tank of 44 gallons if you're planning on low light plants like Java fern and swords.

I'd got to home depot and pick up a two bulb shop light or two.