Can my tank support plants?

djfsolo

djfsolo

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Nov 2, 2009
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Hello everyone

I have recently been reading into the benefits of a planted aquarium concerning filtration and waste control to help out the filter. I figured I might give it a shot!

I am interested in planting my 55 to start with. In there I have 10 tiger barbs, 1 leporinus, 1 rainbow shark, and 1 common pleco (don't worry, only 7" right now and will move to the 150 when he's good and ready).

Filter is a rena xp2, which does a generally good job of keeping the water clear. I figure more can't be bad though. Also I just hate how stupid plastic plants look.

My lighting is a shoplight fixture from home depot. It has one 3000k 32W T8 and one 6500K 32W t8 bulb. Is this enough? Is this right? I am hoping to not have to invest too much more in the tank itself, as I am tight on the budget being a college student.

Thanks for your help!
 
Go with low light plants like java fern, anubias, java moss & with root ferts, cryptocorynes, & swords. some stem plants like rotala rotundifolia may work too.

Look at the AC Marketplace for low light packages to get you started.
 
Forgive my laziness to google these right now, I'm doing a bit of multitasking- I am looking for plants that will be rooted, as well as some floating- would you mind specifying what is what among the list you gave me?

thank you

Also any danger of my pleco munching on this stuff?

Is the K temp of my lights ok? I don't really know what is best for plants. I was going for a white color in my tank, which still isn't quite there, I was going to switch out the 6500K for a 4000K (same wattage) is this ok?
 
ya have to agree your probably only going to be able to grow low relly low light plant so give it a shot though and you fish will like it.

edit: the 3000K probably wont do much just replace it with another 6500 and you should be fine. the pleco probably wont munch on things but he might rearrange stuff a bit.
 
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java fern, anubias, and java moss you tie to rock or drift wood so than can attach to it. cryptocorynes and sword plants are rooted plans that you put in the substrate. for floating plant look into water lettuces, redroot floater, and frogbit.
 
Ok thanks a lot!

Let's say I had 2 6500K bulbs and 2 4000K bulbs, will the presence of the 4000K detract from the light the plants need? I figure I'm just adding so it can't be bad right? Is too much light bad for the plants (or fish)?
 
and just out of curiosity, what effects do you think I will notice regarding water parameters and how immediate? Aside from aesthetic properties of the tank, are there certain things I should really keep under control? Are there any sort of chemicals I need to get for the plants, fertilizer or w.e., or do they feed solely off of light and fish waste?

Thanks!
 
persoanlly i would stick to low light for now so just those 2 6500K bulbs for now. not sure about the ater parameters or other thing off the top of my head (i'm tired) but for additives because its so low light you probably wont need to add anything like firtz.
 
With the plants mentioned you don't really have to do anything special. Depending on how many plants you get it shouldn't really effect you params too much. They will help lower nitrates though.
 
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