looking for a few low light plans ??

[ozzy]

Hello AC
I have a 55 gallon I want to do something with,I have yet to even put water in it cause I just got it the other day,my plan is in time to make this a planted aquarium but I'll need to do a lighting and filter upgrade first,right now it just has a bio-wheel filter and the strip light that came with the tank,so it will take me some time to put this together,but for now I would like to get things rolling if ya know what I mean,what I'm looking for now is a few low light plants till I can get around to the new lighting and I was hoping you guys could name a few off for me,
thanks

[MagicNene]

I've had good luck with java fern and hornwort, those might be a start for you.

[superjohnny]

Ozzy that's one hell-of-a long sentence. You may consider punctuation. Sorry, I'm not trying to criticize it's just hard to read.

Java fern, java moss or most any anubias will do all right in about two watts of light per gallon. How much light is in the current fluorescent strip?

[Starry]

You should do it right the first time, rather than start with low light, then upgrade.
On that note, the lights and filter can wait if you want, but you should get a good substrate in right from the start. Seachem's Flourite and Onyx sand are generally recommended, though you might want to look into other options as well.
Also, pack the tank with plants. You're more likely to get off to a good start. Buy any cheap plant, it might just grow. Java fern and Crypts should do well. If your tank gets sunlight, also try hornwort, water wisteria (hygrophila difformis, and other hygrophila species), elodea (egeria/anacharis). Be careful with Anubias because they're very very expensive and don't grow fast at all.
Also, CO2 fertilization will help even at low light. You will definitely need it later if you're going high light.
Good luck

[yhbae]

Well, I have less than 1w/g in my tank, and both seem to be doing alright, keeping nitrate level low as well in the process...

[ozzy]

Originally posted by superjohnny
Ozzy that's one hell-of-a long sentence. You may consider punctuation. Sorry, I'm not trying to criticize it's just hard to read.

try not to move your lips when your reading:D
Thanks for all of the replies AC
For now I just have two strip lights,one 40 and the other with two 15's=70 watts,that gives me 1.27 WPG,I'll in time add 4x55 pc's,but this will be no time soon,,,,,
any reason I could not use the strip lights I see at Lowe's??I saw one with two 40 T-12's for about $18.,I would order better bulbs of course ??
thanks again

[superjohnny]

Originally posted by ozzy

try not to move your lips when your reading:D


:D LOL

[Robert H]

Anubias and java fern is your best bet. Maybe some Cryp wendtii