What plants should I get???

[cameronladd]

I have a 55 gallon tank, with 2x18" 50/50 lights producing only 30 watts total. I was wondering what kinds of plants could I add to my tank to make it more colorful without changing my lighting? I have about 40lbs of live rock...any suggestions without a lighting upgrade would be awesome,
Thanks again

 

[salt life]

Originally Posted by cameronladd
http:///forum/post/2964790
I have a 55 gallon tank, with 2x18" 50/50 lights producing only 30 watts total. I was wondering what kinds of plants could I add to my tank to make it more colorful without changing my lighting? I have about 40lbs of live rock...any suggestions without a lighting upgrade would be awesome,
Thanks again
I don't think you can do much with 30 watts over a 55g tank, definetly not enough IMO.

 

[mantisman51]

+1 Very little to nothing would survive.

 

[cameronladd]

If I were to upgrade my lighting, how many watts do you think I would need to grow anything? Basically if I were to upgrade my lighting, how much lighting in watts would I need to never have to upgrade again for this tank?

 

[salt life]

i'd say a 250watt power compact fixture would be enough to get some growth in a 55g. not an expert on lighting though..

 

[salt life]

or actually you can do 2 175watt MH I think will work too depends on if you want PC's or MH's I guess...

 

[pleasants9]

i have about 45 watts in 50/50 and shaving brush survives in my tank

 

[nycbob]

Originally Posted by pleasants9
http:///forum/post/2976776
i have about 45 watts in 50/50 and shaving brush survives in my tank
u want the plants to thrive, not survive. u will need at least t5 with 4 bulbs to get optimal result. it will save u money long term if u start off with a better lighting fixture.