Thinking I'll use dirt capped with sand or gravel, but hoping to not bother with any hood or light and just depend on sunlight (that window faces southwest...) will probably add java fern and/or moss from my other tanks, but what would be some good plants to grow above the surface?
Might want something capable of fast growth in case the sunlight hits it full on. How about water sprite? It does okay in lower light, too - very undemanding, hard to kill, therefore excellant for experiments.
I think Hydrocotyle and Bacopa species can grow out of the water. Another option would be to find a piece of rock or wood tall enough to allow Anubias to reach out of the tank as well, although it might depend on the humidity above the water.
Certain house plants like Pothos wont mind getting its roots wet if you can find a way to configure the bulk of the plant around the outside of the tank.
I've had great luck with growing philodrendrons out of the tank. I find that getting a small clipping with only a few leaves and a stem poking strait down works best. tape (with scotch tape) the stem in an area that water wont loosen the stem and make sure all leaves around OUTSIDE of the water completely. the roots grow fast and make a cool light-colored tangle that could serve as great cover for small fish.
a bad pick of it growing out of my 40g (excuse the murky water, the tank is cycling):
Ah yes, if you're going the riparium route then there are lots of different "semi aquatic" plants to try. Find any of Hydrophytes threads and he usually has listed the species he uses.
