Help "stocking" a 15 gallon with plants

S

Spclk1981

Freshwater n00b
Oct 4, 2004
54
0
0
45
Shelby Township, MI
www.wishuwerehere.us
I see "stocking" questions in the fish forums, but I am just curious what a newbie like me should start with plant-wise. I've looked on plantgeek and I see the types of "easy" plants.

I know my lighting isn't the best, I'd be able to upgrade in the future, but I don't think I can right now (broke college student).

What typically would look good to you? I know it's all preference, but how many plants and what types should I start with? I am not really good at laying out a tank I don't think, I see pics of some of your tanks and they are gorgeous. Also, I am going to the LFS today, what should I expect, price-wise?
 
The cheapest way to get a good amount of light on your tank is a double bulb shop light. I bought mine at Home Depot and had good plant growth with 2.6 watts per gallon.

Lighting will determine what plants you can have so we will need more details before suggesting anything.
 
I am not really sure what the bulb is...

it's a cheap bulb that came with the hood. 15 gallon tank, 18" bulb...I would guess 15-20 watts? It's not a tall tank.

I know I can go with Java plants (moss, ferns), and anubius, and hornwort and hope I have enough light for them...

I guess what I don't really know is how much is enough? When I look online and they have a stem of this or a stem of that....is that what most people start out with and it grows and fills out? Should I get multiples of many from the get-go since they are slow growing? And, what's a typical price. Do I face problems picking them up from somewhere like a Wal-Mart type store? I know fish can come diseased from there, are the plants safe though?
 
I found a Hagen double light hood for a reptile tank and I put two of those spiral compact flourescent bulbs in it over a 10 gallon tank. It works great, but you really need a glass lid too for saftey reasons.
 
I prefer to plant heavily to start and then remove the excess as needed, this helps control algae and is useful for the silent cycle. 6 bunches (4-6 stems per bunch) of fast growing stem plants such has hornwort and anacharis should be a good start for a 15 gallon.
 
Thanks phanmc, I'll start with that :) Seems everywhere around my house has no plants! There's a place by work though, I'll pick some up Monday.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom