I am currently in the process of saving up money to buy a 29 gallon tank and I want to make it a planted tank. I don't want to have really expensive plants, but I want to try to grow some. The only plant I've ever grown is java fern. What are some good plants for a low tech (I guess ha) planted tank? Also the only stores I have in my area are Petco and Petsmart and one local store that doesn't really keep a good selection of plants. Thanks!
Easy planted tank?
- Thread starter clyman18
- Start date
Java fern, as you mentioned, is an easy one. Java moss as well. Water sprite, Crypts, dwarf hairgrass... these are all relatively low-light/low-tech plants. I'm sure there are others, but these are the ones I am most familiar with and actually have in my tanks (all low-light tanks, no ferts, no CO2, etc).
I recommend a pool filter sand substrate. Not sure what you're planning at this point, but so far that is my favorite substrate. I'm sure the Eco-Complete stuff is great too (pricey though) and for a low-tech setup, probably it's not all that pertinent to use that type of a substrate. But it wouldn't hurt.
Post pics when you're actually starting!
Oh - and plenty of people here are willing and able to sell plants cheap and ship them to you. I was cleaning out my tanks recently and was shipping out 6" x 9" packets of java moss and water sprite for $3.50/each - and I've seen plenty of other people doing similar things. Watch the classifieds thread and I'm sure you'll see plenty of good plants for sale at a good price (often cheaper than buying at the store in the first place).
I recommend a pool filter sand substrate. Not sure what you're planning at this point, but so far that is my favorite substrate. I'm sure the Eco-Complete stuff is great too (pricey though) and for a low-tech setup, probably it's not all that pertinent to use that type of a substrate. But it wouldn't hurt.
Post pics when you're actually starting!
Oh - and plenty of people here are willing and able to sell plants cheap and ship them to you. I was cleaning out my tanks recently and was shipping out 6" x 9" packets of java moss and water sprite for $3.50/each - and I've seen plenty of other people doing similar things. Watch the classifieds thread and I'm sure you'll see plenty of good plants for sale at a good price (often cheaper than buying at the store in the first place).
I wanted to do an Amazon themed aquascape, and I read an article on stocking a 29 gallon that fit the bill. I hope to be able to start next semester, but I have to save up the funds and move out of the dorms first. Ha. So it looks like I will have a lot of time to plan this out. 
Great idea for amazon tank, i guess thats kinda what mine is themed . I've got amazon swords that i bought from my petco, and "Argentine Sword" from there as well, i use an eco-complete-like substrate and i use diy co2 and a t8 light, if your anywher close to that, they will explode! (with growth of course)
. I've got amazon swords that i bought from my petco, and "Argentine Sword" from there as well, i use an eco-complete-like substrate and i use diy co2 and a t8 light, if your anywher close to that, they will explode! (with growth of course)I completely agree with buying plants from other members. Most of the plants I currently own were purchased on various forums. In fact, the ONLY time I bought plants in a store was when I first set up my tank. Ever since then, I've found that on these forums you can purchase many plants that most stores don't stock and at a really good price too. Many people will also sell in packages based on the lighting demands of the plants (for example "FS low-light package").
As far as suggestions, java and african ferns are good choices, any anubias species, and marsilea minuta is a nice carpeting plant for a low-tech tank. Try searching the forum for other low-light suggestions.
As far as suggestions, java and african ferns are good choices, any anubias species, and marsilea minuta is a nice carpeting plant for a low-tech tank. Try searching the forum for other low-light suggestions.
My anubias have been through everything, from no fertilizer to no light, to various types of water, and they have thrived in every type. Crypts are good, my tiger lotuses have been growing wonderfully in the same conditions as my anubias. The tiger lotuses are awesome because they put out lily pads. If you want some floating plants, salvinia minima is good, and people will sell you buckets of it because it grows like crazy (so beware). Good luck!
Java fern, as you mentioned, is an easy one. Java moss as well. Water sprite, Crypts, dwarf hairgrass... these are all relatively low-light/low-tech plants. I'm sure there are others, but these are the ones I am most familiar with and actually have in my tanks (all low-light tanks, no ferts, no CO2, etc).
I recommend a pool filter sand substrate. Not sure what you're planning at this point, but so far that is my favorite substrate. I'm sure the Eco-Complete stuff is great too (pricey though) and for a low-tech setup, probably it's not all that pertinent to use that type of a substrate. But it wouldn't hurt.
Post pics when you're actually starting!
Oh - and plenty of people here are willing and able to sell plants cheap and ship them to you. I was cleaning out my tanks recently and was shipping out 6" x 9" packets of java moss and water sprite for $3.50/each - and I've seen plenty of other people doing similar things. Watch the classifieds thread and I'm sure you'll see plenty of good plants for sale at a good price (often cheaper than buying at the store in the first place).
I wouldn't do dwarf hairgrass, it can be a real pain to keep. but water sprite and wisteria are very easy too
hmmm... easy...
osmocote fertcicles
dry ferts
know your gh
hang your lights so intensity can be adjusted by height
pack your tank with plants right from the start
over-filter
use a piil organizer
use a turkey baster
don't try to force anything to grow. lots and lots of plants can be grown without co2 and thus fit into the easy and/or low light category. don't be afraid to experiment but if it's not working out and you can't seem to get it right, rip that plant out before its degradation causes issues.
if you keep this in mind easy should be a relative term. it's only hard if you make it that way. it's up to you.
also... don't worry about killing algae... worry about growing plants and focus on that.
osmocote fertcicles
dry ferts
know your gh
hang your lights so intensity can be adjusted by height
pack your tank with plants right from the start
over-filter
use a piil organizer
use a turkey baster
don't try to force anything to grow. lots and lots of plants can be grown without co2 and thus fit into the easy and/or low light category. don't be afraid to experiment but if it's not working out and you can't seem to get it right, rip that plant out before its degradation causes issues.
if you keep this in mind easy should be a relative term. it's only hard if you make it that way. it's up to you.
also... don't worry about killing algae... worry about growing plants and focus on that.
I'm having good luck with my aponogeton and lily bulbs from walmart (if some don't sprout the company will send you new ones). I don't inject co2 and they are in open top tanks with just a couple of t5 bulbs. Though I do pay attention to nitrates and add plain Flourish periodically. Sometimes fish stores will have them available already sprouted.
Not sure if they would fit in an an amazon tank though since I'm not sure where they're from. But as far as easy plants they fit the bill.
I've also had good luck with jungle vals (to the point I was pulling some out and feeding it to my other fish), but they prefer a taller tank (otherwise you have to trim the tops off and it doesn't look as good IMO) and a ton of light. I don't think the spiral vals get as tall so they may work, but they never grew as fast for me.
Java moss oddly enough I have terrible luck with. It lives but that's about it.
Not sure if they would fit in an an amazon tank though since I'm not sure where they're from. But as far as easy plants they fit the bill.
I've also had good luck with jungle vals (to the point I was pulling some out and feeding it to my other fish), but they prefer a taller tank (otherwise you have to trim the tops off and it doesn't look as good IMO) and a ton of light. I don't think the spiral vals get as tall so they may work, but they never grew as fast for me.
Java moss oddly enough I have terrible luck with. It lives but that's about it.