Hemianthus Callitrichoides HC

[nfored]

Hemianthus Callitrichoides HC

I have Two 24x16x12 tanks, each have a 17 watt 7500K color temp grow light over them. Both tanks share a common sump so they are essentially one tank. One tank has 3 dwarf gourami, the other has 20 neon tetra's, I have no CO2 running. Water chemistry is as follows, Ammonia 0ppm, nitrite 0ppm, nitrate 10ppm, pH 6.4ppm, kH, gH, and CO2 are unknown.

My question, what do I need to get a full carpet in both tanks of this beautiful plant?
Please tell me if I will need more lighting, and If i will need fertilizer, as I use none now.

Also How much of this plant will I need to purchase?

BTW thanks for helping me with my first setup of plants MFK'ers, I thought they where going to die, but they are pulling through. All the old leaves died but new leaves are growing.

 

[oOMO3NOo]

im sure you ill need more light and co2 for hc to form a low carpet. they like most carpets require alot of light and they thrive on co2 (or excel)

(im guessing your tank specs were given in inches?)

 

[WyldFya]

You need a lot more light. As to how many plants... that depends on how long you are willing to wait.

 

[nfored]

Do you think I can buy a quad 4' T8 light fixture.

The Bulbs would be 32 watts 2800 lumens 6500k color temp.
Or
T12 quad T12, 2200 lumens, color rendering 92, color temp 5000k, watts 40

 

[nfored]

better yet what about this

http://electricalsupplies4less.stores.yahoo.net/noname3.html

 

[WyldFya]

MH requires CO2. Also, those lights are going to be 2300-3500K bulbs, which are bad for aquatic plants. MHs are expensive, I'd run HO T5 if you want something a little easier.

 

[nfored]

Man this planted tank stuff is as costly as a reef tank. I am glad you told me what you did, the sell lied said my setup would be fine, with no co2, I only needed ferts. I guess I will be looking into some T5's this week.