beginner plant nutrient question

J

jenricae

AC Members
Dec 27, 2005
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Vancouver, BC Canada
I'm starting up a new tank and was considering trying real plants for the first time. I have a basic understanding of what plants need but am a bit overwhelmed by all the products out there for plants.

Are there a couple of basic products (ie: Flourish) that would do? I know that when it comes to fish, you don't need most of the additives they sell on the market so i figure the same is true when it comes to plants.

I assume that there are nutrients that are provided by the fish, food, etc. Is there anything one should use when the tank is just getting started? Keep in mind that I would only keep hardy plants recommended for beginners.

I did read the DIY sticky, but it kinda made my head spin... might be because it's a sunday and i'm feeling kinda slow =)
 
You don't really NEED ferts with slow growing low light plants like java fern, moss & anubias. As long as your nitrates are ~10 ppm & you change water every week or 2 to replace minerals. I occasionally add micros with iron as I have soft water. Grow is very slow.
For crypts & swords I use root tabs, they need a bit more light & iron
 
I agree with the above. If you start off with low-light plants, you won't really need ferts. Root tabs are a good idea as stated above for heavy root feeding plants. If you do decide to go with ferts, starting off with Flourish and possibly excel are good ideas.

Really, it depends on the plants you want to keep and the lighting over your tank. I may have missed it in the OP, what lighting do you have?
 
Right now i don't have good light (15w aquatic bulb), but i'm looking into getting a full spectrum bulb. To complicate matters the ballast has died so now i have to replace that too. In short i`m not sure what the lighting situation will be but i aim to have 6700k with 15-30w but the ballast might only support up to 20w. Oh, the tank is a 30g.

If i come across a good deal, i might replace the whole strip light, but i`d rather spend a few bucks on a new ballast rather than much more for a new strip.
 
i love the KISS method when it comes to planted tanks. fish poop, light, and water changes.

once you've had the tank set up for a while and have gained the initial experience of keeping and growing live plants, then delve into the world of ferts and co2. heck, i've had my planted running for just shy of a year and i still don't do anything to help the jungle grow, lol.
 
hmm, okay i guess i`ll have to upgrade the light strip if i want to have plants...

I do have another question regarding substrate... do you need special substrate to be mixed with your gravel for plants (ie: Flourish)?
 
you mean FlorITE?

its not necessary but it helps. many people get away with using playsand or gravel.

I usually see florite in hi-tech tanks but IDK really, never used it.
 
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