Would normal run of the mill aquarium gravel work for plants or should I put in patches of the plant stuff in? I want to put some plants in my tank because my setup is kinda getting boaring. How should I set up my low light plants ( 15w for 20g tank) What kinda plants should I use?
Gravel
- Thread starter Kasakato
- Start date
That's very low light, is there any way to get some more light on the tank?
As for the gravel, with very low light you're probably going to have plants like Java Fern and Java Moss, which don't root in the substrate, so it's not important to use a special substrate. If you try other plants like Cryptocorynes, you can use fertilizer tabs pressed into the gravel to feed them.
Try doing some research online to find out what will work in your tank as well as what appeals to your tastes - Google 'low light aquarium plants' and see what you like
As for the gravel, with very low light you're probably going to have plants like Java Fern and Java Moss, which don't root in the substrate, so it's not important to use a special substrate. If you try other plants like Cryptocorynes, you can use fertilizer tabs pressed into the gravel to feed them.
Try doing some research online to find out what will work in your tank as well as what appeals to your tastes - Google 'low light aquarium plants' and see what you like
.75 wts for my tank is low. Is there any way I can add more light? That retro fit kit looks good but it is to much to ship to Canada. The light thing I have now has 1 tube with a quick start. What should I do?
What do you think:
Back:
African fern
Anubias hastifolia
Middle:
Anubias barteri 'marble'
Java fern
Front:
Anubias nana
Cryptocoryne moehlmannii
Back:
African fern
Anubias hastifolia
Middle:
Anubias barteri 'marble'
Java fern
Front:
Anubias nana
Cryptocoryne moehlmannii
You've got a shot with those plants, but pushing it up to 1.5 - 2.0watts/gal. would be a better choice.
Len
Len
As far as adding light, you could go to Home Depot, or something similar, and get a flourescent light strip or two. They're not very expensive, but you will want to get some kind of "daylight" bulbs to get the proper spectrum of light.
That's a VERY good question! I was at Home Depot today, and picked up a 3' 2-bulb T-12 fluorescent fixture for <$30 CDN. They've got 2' fixtures that are half that price. Problem is, it's bare bones, there's not even a cover like on most 4' shop lights. I'm planning to get HD to cut some wood for me and build my own hood, and I'll attach it inside. I can't think of another way you could make it work, other than building a box/hood and fitting it inside.
[edit] Just out of curiosity, where abouts in the city are you Kasakato? I found the fixture I bought at the Stockyards HD, and they've got 'plant/aquarium' and 'daylight' bulbs there for 2' fixtures. I'm sure the other locations have similar stuff, I just thought I'd let you know where you could get it for sure [/edit]
[edit] Just out of curiosity, where abouts in the city are you Kasakato? I found the fixture I bought at the Stockyards HD, and they've got 'plant/aquarium' and 'daylight' bulbs there for 2' fixtures. I'm sure the other locations have similar stuff, I just thought I'd let you know where you could get it for sure
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