[rhody9]

I have a 55 gal with java fern (swords, stems, anubias as well) and followed a similar path bought a nice dual t5 ho fixture and was using excel daily and flourish twice per week with not very noticeable growth for about 6 months. None of the plants flourished but they stayed alive. I saved up and got a pressurized co2 and dosed the dry fertilizer EI regime (KNO3, K2PO4, KSO4, plantex, seachem iron) and that made all the difference in the world. The java fern took off and after 6 months a three inch rhizome had grown enough to completely cover an 18 inch driftwood log with leaves extending nearly to the surface. I recently had to remove it b/c it was crowding out my fish. I would save up for a CO2 system if you want a jungle look, the excel will keep the ferns alive just fine but you won't get fast growth.

 

[rhody9]

Darkblade made a great FAQ thread:


<http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=107312>

Good place to start