new 30 gallon planted... need lots a help!

[evelyn80]

well im getting a 30 gallon tank and wish to plant it. there will be no co2 system( a least until i can afford it). i have 2 plants now , a red water lily and an aponogenaten(i think thats how its spelled not sure though) for the tank thus far. i was thinking mabye some java ferns and java moss to put in but what other plants? and what substrate? i dont really want sand so mabye potting soil?:help: thx!

[Riiz]

Plain, cheap potting soil capped with regular gravel will work fine, and is better than plain sand when it comes to plant health too imo. As long as you stick to low light levels and low light plants, then CO2 wont be needed. And java fern and moss are both good options, your water lily will do fine as long it is allowed to grow to the surface as well. Also here is a link to low light plants, and if you get a chance, read Diana Walstad's book, Ecology of the Planted Aquarium, she is pretty much the mother of natural or low-tech tanks.

http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_list.php?category=1&filter_by=2 - low light
http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_list.php?category=1&filter_by=3 - med/low light

[evelyn80]

thx riiz! looks like im gettin java ferns, lace java ferns, phillipine java ferns, guppy grass and java moss :D :D :D also for the soil do i need to clean it and if so how?

[Riiz]

No the soil doesnt need to be cleaned, just make sure it is the cheapest soil you can find, which should not have any additives or such. Just make sure when your filling your tank, put a cup or plate in there, so the water doesnt create a mess.

Here's another link to another excellent site that has alot more information on Natural tanks. http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/el-natural/

[evelyn80]

i can do the cheapest!! lol here i come grocery store:headbang2::D nice links to thx!