Help me go Planted

[Logy]

I have 2 20 gallon tanks. One of them is semi planted with java fern and java moss. The rest of the plants are fake decor. My 2nd tank is all fake. While these tanks aren't bad looking, there is something about a planted tank that appeals more to my tastes. I see planted tanks and my heart sinks and suddenly I'm not so proud of my tanks. I live in a smaller community with pet stores that don't offer any sort of special substrate for planted tanks. The lighting on all of my tanks seem inadequate. The 2 20 gallon tanks both have canopy's with one light fixture that is 15 watts...which is like 0.75 watts per gallon. I don't know where to look to get better lighting. Unless there is an easy DIY solution. I realize it is alot of work, but I really want to hop aboard the planted tank train and am willing to put my money and resources into it. I know that I'd have to tear down the tanks I currently have to impliment a planted tank..I'll go the mile! Links to better lighting and good substrate would be appreciated. Anything else I might need. I'm a complete planted aquarium noob.

Thanks alot,
Logy

 

[J double R]

granted, im not planted-tank expert, but every tank ive ever had has been planted at one time or another, and the only bad experience ive had was my oscar digging them up. ive never used any special substrate, just root them in regular gravel, and ive never used CO2 or anything special.. just bought a light that was made for plant growth (find em at the LFS), and theyve always thrived. start slow, and youll see how much theyll grow in such a short time. honestly, i think the planted tanks are more addicting than fish-only tanks, and if you really get into it, you can create some gorgeous 'scapes.

 

[J double R]

also, check out Mgamer2000... he can work wonders with a planted tank, and he'll usually ship you clippings for free if you pay the shipping.

 

[lwooters]

I'm totally with you, I'm dying to go planted! I just don't think I have the proper substrate now and I am not sure how to make it doable with what I have.

 

[Star_Rider]

a good substrate is nice to have but regular gravel will work.

gravel is just not the best for planting uness it is small gravel.(coarse sand)

I have many plants doing wel in gravel..it does take time for the plants to establish.

I also use fourite and find it is easier to plant in .

that said..with low light you should try to get low light plants.

anubias, cryts and java moss and fern are a good start.

other plants may do okay floated.

wisteria seems to grow okay in lower light tanks but does better with a bit more light than you have..I am running 40 watts on a 29 and wisteria is growing like crazy there. I have to trim and toss bunches each week. wisteria is one of those plants that can gro floating.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

power compact light bulbs from walmart or home depot is a very good start. i would put 2 of them over your tank and see what happens. they have them in a few different watts. i have seem them from 12 watts to 27 watts. look for the daylight bulbs.

my tanks have cheap gravel i bought from home depot. plants growing like crazy for me.

 

[Logy]

Since I'm going to be moving shortly I'm not going to make the switch to planted in my 20 gallons just yet. I do have a 5 gallon tank that I'm going to get a compact flourecent bulb to put over and I'm going to buy the plants recommended. I'm going to see if I can't get a smaller planted tank to flourish. Get me some experience before I make the jump to the 20 gall planted. I shall do my best and I'll get some pics of the progress. I'm all excited meow!

Thanks
Logy

 

[loaches r cool]

Your going to need some more light if you want a thriving tank with any but the lowest light species. But I have a 20g with a single 15W flourescent bulb and was able to grow some plants in it ok. Java fern, java moss, cyrpts, some kinda sword (not really sure), and another unidentified plant similar to java moss. It didnt have anything special for substrate either, actually a combination of all sorts of different leftovers, mostly sand and pea gravel. It was used for a snail breeding tank and also had guppies. For the light, I replaced the old light tube with this one: http://www.petsolutions.com/Aqua+Flora+Plus+T6+Lamp-I-74000054-I-C-40003082-C-.aspx and seemed to work well, but there are plenty of choices out there. I had wanted to test thier 7000K daylight (onsale) too and also the 'ultimate reef' one onsale at bigals: http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18358/si1381700/cl0/quantum15wattultimatereeft6lamp18 but my orders of these all came broken and I eventually gave up. But it wasnt a show tank. If you want a nice show tank you'll probably need more light, though dont go to high unless your also going to be injecting co2 and stick to a good fertilization routine.