Plant Questions

[black_sun]

I have many questions for a few of my tanks that I'd like to put plants in.

1.) What kind of substrate can I use for plants that won't be harmful to fish and inverts? I've seen a lot of substrates for sale on various sites and in stores, but the list of things in them seemed a little too chemically high to be safe for live animals (maybe not, I don't know). Is there anything recommended for use in tanks that will have both plants and animals?

2.) What kind of lighting works best with the basic kind of plants found at LFS (anubias, swords, ferns, etc)? I have low-watt lighting in most of my tanks that seems to be working well with my hornwort and anacharis, but that stuff seems to be spreading no matter what I do to it, heh.

3.) Is there anything that I can safely add to my tanks to help plants grow that won't be damaging to my fish and inverts? Or is it even necessary? The only experience with plants I've had is with hornwort and anacharis, and both seem to thrive without me doing anything additional to the tanks.

4.) Are there any plants that are easier to manage/grow/etc than others, and any that I should avoid trying to grow?

I'm not really looking to have a completely planted tank, but just to grow a few things to be used for hiding spots, food, etc. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!

Edit: Don't know if this is necessary, but the tanks that will be getting plants (hopefully) are 10gal, 29gal, 46gal and maybe a few of my 5gal tanks.

[phanmc]

1) most aquarium safe plant substrate aren't harmful to fauna. Flourite, Eco-Complete, Onyx Sand & Gravel, and Schultz Aquatic soil are the more common ones.

2) The most common form of lighting for Aquariums are fluorescent lighting; common T8-T12, compact fluorescent (spiral and U-tubes), T5 High Output. The important thing about lighting is to get just enough for your needs. For an easy 10g setup you'd want around 20-30w, 45-60w for the 29g, and 75-90w for the 46g. You'll want to leave the light on for about 8-10 hrs a day.

3) It depends on the amount of light and plants you have in the tank. The more light and plants, the more additional fertilizers become a necessity. It's always good to have some fertilizers on hand and I recommend Seachem Flourish, the comprehensive one, for beginners.

4) Java fern, moss, marsilea (aquatic clover), any kind of anubias, and most kinds of cryptocorynes are ideal for a low maintenance tank. Water sprite, water wisteria and most Hygrophila species are also easy to grow.

It is actually easier to maintain a heavily planted tank than one that is lightly planted. More plants means less algae.

[jpappy789]

1) Plants can grow in anything from regular old gravel/sand to the more expensive "plant" substrates such as Eco-complete. I personally do not think you need to spend a whole lot on the substrate but others swear by it.

2) I would get anything from 1.5-2 wpg (watts per gallon). With that you should be able to grow most things, including all of the plants you have listed. Look for bulbs between 6700 and 10000 K.

3) With those plants you may not want to add ferts or Co2. I have had all of those plants survive without it and it sounds like you don't really care for the jungle look anyways. I wouldn't add anything at first and see what happens.

4) Java moss, java fern, anubias, vals, crypts, anacharis, hornwort, pennywort and guppy grass are all easy to handle IME.