Plant help for a newbie

Thanks to the guys for the last two comment. The micro sward doesn't get to tall does it? Only about 4 inches or so? Also I don't need any speacial substrate for any of these grasses? Also I would be purchasing these online and was wondering what are some good places? I was going to get them from http://www.liveaquaria.com/ but was wondering what you guys think?

Thanks again!!!! :D
 
Echinodorus angustifolius can get up to 6" tall. It actually resembles lawn grass quite a bit in size and shape - the only difference is you can't trim it like you can mow your lawn :D
I don't know how well this plant would do in plain gravel, my guess is as long as it's appropriately fertilized it will be fine.
 
What size gravel are you talking about? If it's too large it may be difficult to keep plants on the bottom or give them time to root themselves down.

What are your planned stocking levels and feeding schedule for the tank? You may find it easier to add gravel fertilizer sticks. I personally use them a fair bit and like them. I buy Jobes sticks for ferns and palms at wal-mart. A $1 package lasts a very long time.

There is one danger with these sticks though and that is getting them into the water. You want to bury them as deep as possible. When pulling or moving plants do so carefully. A water change immediately after is a good idea if you see bits of the fert sticks in the water.

Oh, btw I only use the sticks for heavy root feeders like swords, crypts, and vals.
 
Planned stocking as in fish or plants?

I have for fish
11 neon tetras
4 cory cats
2 otos
1 betta

For plants
I was thinking
a couple java ferns
Micro Swords and thats about it.
Maybe a couple Ozelot Sword because they are easy
Maybe even a couple Anacharis

But not too many big plants maybe 3 or 4 and the micro sword.

One question is 9325°K too much for the fish and plants?
 
I have 9325K bulbs on my tank (along with 10 000K and 6700K) and they're a really nice, crisp colour. The tank I used to have was lit with only 9325s and both fish and plants looked very nice to my eye. The fish and plants don't care nearly as much as we do about the colour, they'll do fine in anything from 5000K - 10 000K. :)
 
Ozelot swords will get big with that amount of light. Your fish load seems very low for a 55 gallon. This will mean they don't produce as much fertilizer as say 60 neon tetras and 10 cories.
 
I know I need to get more fish. Any way where do you guys get you clear hood from? I can't find one anywhere.
 
Ok here is my problem. I have an all glass deluxe full hood and this thing cost a lot of money. I do want to upgrade the lighting but keep the hood. So what are some power compact light that would fit on the deluxe full hood from all glass. I need at lead 2wpg. Also I have read that people use the deluxe full hood and just let the light overhang a little. Would that casue a big problem?
 
I don't know if anyone has ever tried this, but Home Depot and other places will sell you sheet glass or acrylic, correct? Why not size a piece to put on your tank?
 
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