Blackwater Plants

[Rembrandts Hat]

Hey all,

In a year or so I'm going to relocating for grad school, and it is my intention to breakdown my 29 gallon, take it with me, and start from scratch. Thus far, I'm only beginning to look at what I might possibly do, but I have always been interested in blackwater tanks.

My question is: What kind of plants can survive in a low pH enviroment? As it stands the current setup in the tank uses a four bulb homemade hood which provides around 2.3 watts per gallon. I regularly dose with Excel and Flourish tabs, and I've had a pretty good go at it. I haven't had any real problems with algae, and my plantss have been growing well for over a year (despite a snail and duckweed infestation thanks to a bad LFS). I'd love to maintain this kind of system, and because I am moving for school I'm not interested in an high maintance setup.

Thanks.

 

[carpguy]

Sort of depends on just how blackwater you want to go. True hardcore blackwater doesn't really support a lot of plants, but soft and acidic can be fine.

Mongabay has some great info on biotopes -- slice of nature aquaria -- including info on the plants and fish that might be found in various enviroments. Pictures of the enviroments. I'm sort of on the lines of a SE Asian Blackwater Creek, but not super rigorous.

Tropica is another great resource for planted folk (but they don't import to the US). Their plant profiles include ranges for pH and hardness.

I'd look at the crypts, java fern, waterlilies, vals, stuff like that.