First planted tank

Beeker

Beeker

Aquariaholic
Oct 8, 2004
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I'm going to need some help. I have never done a planted tank before. I need some information and suggestions. I am planning on starting my 10 gallon tank after the holidays with a beta and some cories and it was suggested that I use real plants. I would appreciate any suggestions.
 
what kind of plant density do you want? do you want foreground plants? do you want high maintenance or low maintenance? how much are you willing to spend?

What equipment do you already have/planning to buy?
 
Good questions.

I want low density, low maintenance plants. Just enough to make my fish happy. I plan on getting a beta that is why I am looking at the real plants. I'm not looking to spend a lot. I just want to do enough to make the fish happy. I have a 10 gallon tank with a bio-wheel filter. I have been using a regular 15 watt aquarium light bulb. I haven't used a heater yet because the fish I already have in my other tank don't need a steadily warm temp. Besides, if I keep it warm they breed. I'm taking a rest from that.
 
Somebody mentioned...

I got another post mentioning java moss. I like the sound of it. What other plants go with it or should I use instead? So far I am planning on a beta, cories, and platies. What plants do they like?
 
Beeker said:
I want low density, low maintenance plants. Just enough to make my fish happy. I plan on getting a beta that is why I am looking at the real plants. I'm not looking to spend a lot. I just want to do enough to make the fish happy. I have a 10 gallon tank with a bio-wheel filter. I have been using a regular 15 watt aquarium light bulb. I haven't used a heater yet because the fish I already have in my other tank don't need a steadily warm temp. Besides, if I keep it warm they breed. I'm taking a rest from that.
Click to expand...

I'm in the same situation as you. I've recently added plants and aquascaped my ten gallon aquarium. All I have is a 15 watt flourescent light as well. It might not be a good suggestion, but perhaps an Amazon sword plant would be suitable? True, it probably needs more light and nutrients than what I provide it, but I have had 2 amazon sword plants in my aquarium for more than 2 years, and they constantly sprout new leaves and are still healthy. I find that they are pretty hardy plants.

Another plant you should definitely get is Java Fern. It's a very easy plant to look after, needing just low light levels, and not requiring much nutrients. Also having similar requirements is the Anubias plants. The most common is the Anubias nana.

Good luck on your aquarium!
 
To add on to that, I'll also add Hornwort and watersprite. These plants are low level light and are readily available. They also make good background plants for a lush aquarium. Check out www.plantgeek.net and check out other easy to keep plants.
 
If you decide to have an Amazon Sword in there, you'll soon find that given the right environment, it will quickly outgrow your 10g!

Another suggestion that I didn't see mentionned are Crypts or Anubias, which will do well with the lighting you have as well
 
So far...

So far I like the sound of the java fern and the anubias. Is there a difference between java fern and java moss? What is the density of these plants and what is the upkeep like? I will check out that website. Thank you! Please keep posting! :)
 
Beeker said:
So far I like the sound of the java fern and the anubias. Is there a difference between java fern and java moss? What is the density of these plants and what is the upkeep like? I will check out that website. Thank you! Please keep posting! :)
Click to expand...

Java moss is like a moss, literally. It will cover rocks and other things that it is rooted on.

Check out the website, it has many pictures of both.
 
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