new tank - planting suggestions

[maxthedog123]

I have what I'll call the "ADD" tank with Tiger Barbs, Giant Danios, and Yoyo Loaches. It's been up and running about 3-4 weeks - completely cycled, btw, thanks to getting gravel and filters from a friend.

In any event - I'm returning to the hobby after about 20 years and new to this live plant thing. Suggestions on the tank setup and plants? As I mentioned in another thread, I have some decent lighting coming tomorrow.

Your thoughts on the aquascape (if it can be called that) are appreciated.

 

[rich311k]

Very nice start. You need more plants and everything is very symmetrical. Try moving one of the side piles of rocks. Once you add more plants and the ones you have grow in, it should look great.

 

[maxthedog123]

I got the plants from the dude I bought the other stuff from as well. Basically had no idea what I was planting until I read about it later!!

It seems a little sparse to me right now, but I'm cautious about doing anything else until I see what grows and how much.

 

[plantling]

I agree with rich311k. It looks nice, but a few more plants would probably make it much better. With about 2 wpg, you should be able to grow a variety of plants. I found the plant guide on http://www.plantgeek.net to be helpful. You can browse plants according to light requirements, placement in tank, etc.

 

[mellowvision]

I'd plant a bunch (6-10) dwarf sags, pushing the larger plants a little to the sides, and maybe add 1 or 2 stems of water sprite, and then let it grow in.

 

[Rbishop]

Something low and grass like up front. Give it time to grow in also.

 

[maxthedog123]

I looked up dwarf sags - I like those.

Should I plant more now or let what I have grow in some first?

Also - where do you guys typically get plants? The decent LFS's near me have some of the usual suspects, but nothing too exotic.

 

[plantling]

I've gotten mine from a few different sources. If you're only looking for a few plants, take a looke at seller aquadisestore on ebay. The plants are got were a bit small, but they were generous. I didn't see any dwarf sag, but I saw Echinodorus tenellus, which is also used as a foreground plant. For larger plants and a larger order, I used www.freshwateraquariumplants.com . Their shipping isn't as bad as some, $11.98 for two day shipping. They have the dwarf sag, but you might as well get more stuff if you're ordering from them. Good Luck!

 

[Mgamer20o0]

what is good lights? what kind? how much? i would get more. i got my plants mostly from people on the forums. i have one good plant lfs but very pricey.