Coming over to the green side

[Raskolnikov]

In an effort to move towards planted aquaria, I'd like to start with my 16g tank (in order to avoid the costs involved with larger tanks until I get a foothold). Keep in mind that I'd really like to keep further costs to a minimum, but let me know if any part of my plan needs altering or if I have failed to address something crucial.

This is that tank that I'd like to plant. It's a 16g (same footprint as a 10g standard but taller). The substrate currently is #20 grade pool filter sand. My GH is 5 degrees, and my KH measures 3 degrees. The lighting right now consists of a single 15w standard bulb that came with the hood. The filter in the photo is a penguin 150, but I have since switched it to an Aquaclear200 (in order to avoid the extra turbulance from the biowheel).
Here's the layout (though the new filter intake is in the center-rear of the tank):

I tried some anacharis in this setup (15w cool flourescent with no supplemental CO2 or ferts), and it died and turned to mush within 5 days.

Ideally I'd like some plants that will do well without supplemental carbon dioxide. I've read that Flourish Excel can supply the necessary carbon for relatively undemending plants in small tanks, so I have some coming by mail. I have also gotten one of the 2 x 13W compact flourescent kits from AH supply, and that's ready to go on the tank. I feel now like I should have sprung for even more lighting, as this upgrade puts me at just under 2wpg. I have an empty 10g tank that all of my components (new and old) will fit on instead which would allow me to use the same amount of light over the same surface area with less water depth. However, the driftwood is a tad too tall to fit in a 10g, so I'd really like to keep the 16 running if the 2wpg will be sufficient for what I'm trying to do.

My projected appearance is something like this:

I'd like to have the java moss root into the top of the driftwood, and have another type of tallish plant growing up in the rear corners. If possible, I'd also like to get some sort of groundcover going, even if it is just more java moss. Now, I'm not opposed to changing the sand to a plant-specific clay substrate, but would that really benefit me to any great effect? Also, plant suggestions for the ground cover and rear corner plants would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[wwildcats04]

with that lighting ground cover will be nearly impossible, it usually neads really brite light. As in over 3 watts per gallon. Some plants to look at would be anacharis, horn wart, the various anubia (very hardy and pretty!), Java moss and java fern,. the last three can be used to attach to the gorgeous piece of drift wood you have as the center piece. Oh, and for the bio wheel thing, all you would of had to do was remove the bio wheel and it drastically cuts down on turbulance, I have a penguin and I removed the bio wheel and put the AC sponges in there and it works wonders. for a low light set-up you will not need any CO2 or anything of that nature but of course it will not hurt. Some plants like anacharis or horn wart should deffinetly be used as a nutrient sponge so that you dont get an algae bloom. go to plantgeek.com and you will find out a lot

 

[kveeti]

I love your drawn-in java moss!!!!

The plan you have should work with your lighting except for the short ground cover. Anubias nana petite could work as it's low light and doesn't need to be 'planted' per se, so would work without changing your sand but it's slow growing. Anything like grassy ground covers would need a lot more light, especially at that depth. Your tall plants could be java fern. Also wouldn't have to change substrate etc. for that.

 

[phanmc]

Having a tall tank makes the light requirement all the more important since depth penetration becomes an issue, but since you'll be switching to PC lights it should be ok. Sand isn't a good substrate but there are plants that don't rely on root feeding so you don't need to switch from sand.

Ground cover will be an issue. Even switching to PC lights will not supply enough light for most groundcover. Java moss is the safest bet but you can try marsilea quadrifolia or minuta (aquatic clover) if you can find some. I'm not sure how heavily marsilea relies on root feeding so sand may be an issue. Anubias nana petit won't form a lawn like groundcover but they can be used in the foreground and would make tiny bushes, it also doesn't require substrate.

Hornwort is a good stem plant to go in the back that doesn't develop roots so it can be used with sand. Hornwort is also an excellent nutrient sponge and I recommend getting alot of it to aid in algae control.

I'd also recommend using anubias nana and nana petit on the driftwood to add a little variety and focal pts to the driftwood.

BTW, turbulance isn't an issue if you're not injecting CO2.

 

[Raskolnikov]

Thank you all for the suggestions. For now I think that I'll stick with the plan to use java moss as a ground cover and look into some java ferns and hornwort to mix it up without having to swap out the substrate. If things go well with that then I will look further into the Marsilea spp, as they look very nice.

My lighting upgrade just wasn't nearly as significant as I initially thought that it would be. :thud: I'm still very used to low-light fish oriented tanks (such as .19wpg on my big display tank).