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View Full Version : What kind of plants?


13enzene
01-06-2009, 9:17 AM
Ok so I have had my aquarium going for almost 4 months now and after having a terrible start (all my fish dieing off, multiple times) I have gotten a good lfs with great stock quality. My tank is a 20 gallon and is currently running with a HOB filter for a 30 gallon, it is stocked with 5 black skirted tetras, 3 guppies, and 6 glowlight tetras. All of them are happy and healthy and well.

Basiclly I only have fake plants in there now, which is fine, but I was wondering if there are any real plants, that are generally cheap and easy to take care of. I would love to have the really plant look that doesn't require extra work (minimal upkeep). Right now the tank has a 15watt light and I don't know if there are anyplants that will work at that low of light, although the tank is in a bright room (direct sun in the room for the first 1/2 to 3/4 of the day). I really don't want anything that I have to fertilize or what not just basiclly plant and let thrive. I am sure the fish would love it.

Also if there is anything else I should watch for or think about by all means tell me. I am a total noob at planted aquariums so I have no experience with disease or infestation (snails or anything else) that plants may bring into the equation.

Thanks for the help.

Hooked Newbie
01-06-2009, 9:36 AM
The easiest plants to start with (and probably the only ones with your light) would be java moss, java fern, anacharis, anubias, guppy grass, and the like.

small-fish
01-06-2009, 9:52 AM
I had amazon swords growing decent in my 20 with 15 watt lights

KarlTh
01-06-2009, 9:53 AM
Mind you, are they going to grow at 0.75wpg? I'd suggest doubling the lighting before you start. I run my 55 gallon at 0.75wpg for a couple of ours in the evening to simulate evening and because some of the more subtly coloured fish look better that way, but it's pretty dim.

inkyjenn
01-06-2009, 10:24 AM
hornwort and wisteria are also easy, low light, low maintenance plants