Newbie Plant Questions

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smatts

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Jan 26, 2004
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Hey there, a few questions about having live plants in your tank.

First off what's the best kinda plants for guy with his first fish tank, maybe a more hardy plant?

Also I may be using an undergravel filter, is that not workable with live plants? The gravel I'm using is not that small, and I don't think the small tetras I'm plannign on getting will be able to move the gravel around all that much.

Any plant recommendations, or plant combo's that will look good ina 20 gallon tank would be appreciated, that way I can write down the names and check them out at the LFS.
 
I'll take a stab at this. . .

The important limiting factor with your plants is how much light you have. I am assuming since you bought a preconfigured outfit from the pet store you have minimal lighting. So you'll want low light plants. . .

Some off the top of my head you could do Crypts and Java Ferns. I also think anything that is reddish colored are low light plants.

You should also ask/search in the Aquatic plants forum.
 
If you're going to use the undergravel filter, it is better to stick to plants that get their nourishment from the water column instead of being rooted, like java moss, java fern, some floating plants. These are all easy and low light, as well.
 
Moving to Planted forum. OG

Agree, except on the red plants--most red leafed plants are not low light. Anubias and java ferns will thrive in low light, and will work with a UGF because they are not planted in the substrate.
 
Originally posted by OrionGirl
...Anubias and java ferns..are not planted in the substrate.
Click to expand...

Unless you don't have a UGF (like in my tank), then they are planted in the substrate.;)
 
If you are just starting out and are using an undergravel filter, you may want to try java ferns and java moss. Both are impossible to kill and will give you a chance to learn more about planted tanks.

I would also suggest: http://www.plantedtank.net

It's a great site and their forums are really helpful if you are wanting to learn about aquatic plants.

Good luck!
 
Well after sizing up the location of my new tank, I've downsized to a 10 gallon tank, and I got the Hagen Waterhome 10 kit.

So I won't be using an undergravel filter, just the Aquaclear mini.

As for lighting the kit included a very nice looking canopy and a 15watt Aqua-Glo light tube, which says it's adaquate for plants.

I will go with some Java ferns to start.

And a few more questions.

Is my 15 watt tube going to be enough for maybe some "red" plants in the future?

Do I need to buy a bottle of some Co2 suppliment (do they make that?), I know plants need co2 to live, and I'm still a bit confused on how much is going to be enough, especially in a 10 gallon small tank.
 
Last edited:
Originally posted by Aquarius0015
Flourish Excel
Click to expand...

IMO, Excel rocks. I'm using 1 ml/day on an 8-gallon, 3wpg tank. I do 50% water changes a week, and I put in 5ml after the change. So far, the plants are lovin' it.

In the future tho, if you go over 30 gallons in tank size, get a pressurized CO2 system. Excel will become financially prohibitive to use in larger tanks.
 
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