Basic Planted Tank - What Do I Need?

M

maryalice81403

AC Members
Oct 2, 2006
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Salinas, CA
I am purchasing a 12 gal. Eclipse for my betta and I would like to have a plant or two in there. I assume plants don't grow in regular gravel so what do I use as a substrate? Also, can anyone suggest plants that would be small enough to not outgrow tank and live with the light that just comes from the Eclipse lid?

I have a package of Lily Bulbs from Walmart but I have been afraid to try them. Would those be okay for a betta in a 12 gal?

Thanks,
MaryAlice
 
well, how many watts do you have? BTW those bulbs should grow in anything, just keep your reciept, because on average only 1 per pack will grow in my experience.
 
13 Watts

It is a 13 watt. According to Amazon.com, "It is a 5500 K Daylight bulb with a 10,000 hour performance rating. This superior lighting promotes aquatic plant growth and enhances fish color. All the while requiring 10 percent less power than other bulbs."

Is this strong enough for a plant?
 
13 watts in a 12 gallon tank would be considered low lighting. With this lighting you can grow plants such as:
-Java Ferns (there are several kinds)
-Java Moss
-Anubias
-Cryptocoryne

The java fern, moss and anubias don't require any substrate, as they grow best when tied to driftwood or a rock/decoration. Their roots feed directly from the water. The cryptocoryne needs to be rooted (plain gravel is fine), but don't bury the rhizome part of the plant above the root system.
 
Ms.Bubbles said:
13 watts in a 12 gallon tank would be considered low lighting. With this lighting you can grow plants such as:
-Java Ferns (there are several kinds)
-Java Moss
-Anubias
-Cryptocoryne

The java fern, moss and anubias don't require any substrate, as they grow best when tied to driftwood or a rock/decoration. Their roots feed directly from the water. The cryptocoryne needs to be rooted (plain gravel is fine), but don't bury the rhizome part of the plant above the root system.
Click to expand...


MS bubbles is correct.those plants would all work in that setup...but i don't believe cryptocoryne have rhizomes. ;) some crypts get big too.
 
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Indeed, my java ferns and java moss grow like weeds without any lighting, just indirect sunlight from the room their in (room has several un-covered windows) So you would be fine with any of those.
 
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