In need of some guidance please

[klfvilla]

Hi, I'm going to attach two photos here which will hopefully assist, first is inside the hood of my tank, second is the actual tank with two live plants. One is java fern and I don't know the name of the other one on the left hand side. On the one to the left, I have buried the roots in the gravel. For the java fern, I have left the roots exposed, just sitting on top of the gravel. I know that the java fern is supposed to be attached to driftwood but I can't find any for sale in a small enough size for my 5g tank. The light bulb says 2U 9W Daylight 120v/60Hz. What do I need to do to get this to be a successful little planted tank? Also, I would like one or two more small, hardy plants but haven't been successful in finding anything suitable to date. Thanks in advance for the suggestions!

 

[Clankeye]

The plant on the left looks like a Compacta Sword to me. The Java roots do not have to be attached to wood or a rock. I have sometimes attached a loose twist-tie around them and anchored the twist tie in the substrate, leaving the roots above ground. This has worked.

As far as other plants you might have success with, Ludwigia grow well and is generally pretty hearty.

 

[Sammie7]

Well... I'm pretty sure that the unknown plant is a sword plant, it will probably grow too big for your tank and needs more light than 9 watts over a 5 gallon tank.


You should be alright with tying your java fern to the rock you have in there. Java ferns will attach to most any decorations that you put in your tank. Just tie it on there with a bit of sewing thread and in about a months time it should stick on it's own.
http://www.aquahobby.com/garden/e_javafern.php

Is the bulb you have fluorescent? Is it possible for you to find a bulb that is around 15 watts and is a fluorescent bulb? They should sell them in department stores like Walmart in the lighting section.

The layout looks pretty good for a first start. I'm sure that it will only get better with time.:dance2:

 

[klfvilla]

OK. Great! Clankeye, I actually have a weighted twist tie from a previous plant that my daughter destroyed so I can use that for now. And Sammie, yes it is flourescent, screw in type, so I'll check Walmart or Home Depot for a compatable 15w. I plan on removing the cave and the silk plant, just not now because I don't want to interfere with cycling (5+ week old tank). Since I now know I don't have to have driftwood, my preference would be to make my own cave. I'm attaching a photo of some fossils that I brought back this Sunday from a country farm property we are renovating. These fossils are everywhere there and I thought I could clean them up and when the cycle is complete, add them and attach the java to the side? To make a cave like I have pictured (balancing) would I use aquarium glass glue to secure it so no chance of my beloved betta getting crushed?

 

[Sammie7]

I'd have to say no on the fossils, as they will probably just disintegrate in the water and do weird things to your pH. The same thing goes for shells or anything of that nature.

 

[Ketso]

Place the fossils in a large bowl and cover them with water. Check the pH & kH of the water a few times over a couple of weeks. If it doesnt change, I would think they would be safe unless they were in a farm field. Farmers tend to use pesticides on their crops that could harm your fish. Granted, the pesticides they use are "supposed to be" biodegradable. But not sure I would trust them.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[klfvilla]

Update: all I have been able to come up with so far is a 13w which I have put in for now. Also, today I was able to find some hortwort which I snatched up. So now I've got 13watts with java fern, hornwort and an unknown sword plant which is at least OK temporarily for looks. Suitable plants seem to be in short supply here. I even have a Big Al's close by but I called and got no luck. I'm going to pass on my fossil idea because actually when I put in the hornwort which is pretty bulky in my small tank, my two little fishies went carrrazzy for it and I don't think I need any more hideouts. Honestly, my betta joyfully dove into it before my hand was out and Pig the dwarf platy is happily picking at it. I'd like to remove the silk plant but I'm still nervous about losing beneficial bacteria so I think perhaps I'll try to hide it a bit behind the others. Thanks again for the advice.

 

[geofied]

You've got some options there, even with the limited space. I have had really good luck tying Java Fern to lava rock with fishing line and cutting off the fishing line when it roots. The rock will add a splash of red to your tank which you may really like. As someone else suggested, you may even be able to tie to your little arch-rock thing. Personally I would take that out in lieu of some lava rock.

If you do a little (just a little) DIY CO2, you can make do with the 10-13 Watts. I've had great luck with many varieties (14 plus species) of plants with 2-2.5 Watt/per gallon and DIY CO2.