Newbie question

[blankenship]

Hi,

I recently started my first tank (4 days ago). Its a 10 gallon tank. I originally put plastic plants in cause the canaopy on the tank had an 8W light which I know isn't enough for plants. But after looking at the plastic ones, and seeing live ones I want to switch. I think I might be able to rig a undercabinet light from Home Depot onto my canopy, and then I can get 20W of light which should be enough.

Here is my problem. I have plain gravel in my tank now, and I rather not take the tank down to put a new substrate in. I know this was poor planning on my part, but I thought I would be satisfied with plastic plants and I'm not.

Is there a way I can add live plants to my tank with out taking the water and gravel out? And if so which plants would work well in this situation?

Thanks for any help you can give!!

 

[anonapersona]

No problem

The lighting is the important thing. 20 watts is fine for the lower light types of plants, java moss, java fern, small swords, all the crypts and anubias. Find the online plant retailers and research the low-light selections.

Don't worry about the gravel, you can add iron with Flourish or Tropica products. You can feed root plants with Root Tabs or similar things. You can feed with liquid fertilizers. You might make a small ice cube with some boiled peat in it and jam it under the gravel after the rooted plants are in, the peat will help hold nutrients and get them started well, but not required.

 

[blankenship]

Wow, that's great!! Thanks!!

And can I add this at any time? cause I don't know how soon I can get the new light set up. My tank is just cycling now. I just checked which light fixtures I can fit in my canopy. I might only be able to fit a 15W light source in there. Do you think that will be enough for low light plants?

Also, how long will I need to keep the light on for?

Thanks again!!