How should I transition into a Planted Aquarium?

[MTfan]

I have a 13 month old baby, so the easier the upkeep the better. I have at least decided not to do anything until I know exactly what I want. I made the mistake of jumping into this too quickly and trusting a somewhat unreliable source. So now I shall gather as much info as I can before taking the next step. My fish are all happy enough (although it does look a bit barren with just the few fake plants I currently have).

Any specific plant suggestions are appreciated as well as online sources to buy them. It seems all the LFS within 100 miles of me have little or no plant selections and are "unable" to order specific plants.

I ran across one website that seems pretty good. http://www.azgardens.com/habitats_easy.php
If anyone has any comments about this, I'd be glad to hear them. Thanks for everything!

 

[RTR]

Visit:

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/index.php

http://aquabotanicwetthumb.infopop.cc/eve

To see pics and discussions and articles on what is going on in the community currently, then decide what you want and are willing and able to support.

I fortunately live in an areas where most common/standard plants and supplies (substrates and ferts) are commercially available, plus I am a member in an aquatic plant group where rare and unusual aquatics are common and members trade and auction these routinely. So I have no need for mail order for my modest needs.

Also consider somthing on the order of a "bullet-proof" planted tank for you first effort:

http://www.gwapa.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=37

That article is one of several worth reading on the local groups's forum, and one we have demostarted in several public events which have to a number of folks getting ito the hobby painlessly.

 

[tyella]

Hello MTfan of Webb City!
I hope MT means Missouri Tigers! (I know it's Montana, but that's OK). Just saying howdy. I know a few folks from Webb City, fwiw.

You're in good hands if RTR is communicating with you. My suggestion would be more light. I haven't done this specifically, but I've heard only good things about it:
http://www.ahsupply.com/36-55w.htm

And not to overwhelm you, but you might consider a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Considering that you have a toddler (or toddler to be) it will help to reduce risk of electrocution.

Tony T. from just a little ways north.

 

[MTfan]

RTR....when I try the link for gwapa I get the message "Sorry, but only users granted special access can read topics in this forum." Is there another way to get that article?

 

[RTR]

OOPs, forgot that... I sent you a PM

 

[MTfan]

Thanks for the input

Well, I have decided to hold off on the planted aquarium route. My husband is likely to be transferred within the near future and who knows where that will take us. I'll just wait until my tank is already torn down to start over.

I appreciate all the replys and will be keeping them in mind when I actually DO my planted aquarium.
:thud: