Plant help

[daniel364]

I have a little 10 gallon which i have previously had plants in such as java fern & moss, hornwort and some others (which i just thought looked nice). This was the first time ive tried real plants in an aquarium.
Since i put these in about a year ago everything has died except some hornwort. The java fern was attacthed to drift wood and did last quite along time before going brown and losing its leaves. The moss never seemed to get growing at all and the others died pretty quick.
I have recently cleaned out this tank as since i put the plants in ive had algea everywhere like you wouldnt beleive and now all it has left is some healthy hornwort floating around. This tank consists of a betta and 6 glowlights.
The light inside says: PL 11W red/white. I dont really know what to make of this so i was wondering if you could tell me where im going wrong, any plants that are ideal and any advice in general. The tank itself is in no great ddirect sunlight.
Thanks

 

[Bk718]

I would suggest you upgrade your lighting for the tank. 11w for a 10g is really on the low side + it being some red/white bulb. Check Walmart they should have some light fixtures for a 10g for about $20+. The bulbs it takes are incandescent but you can switch them up to DAYLIGHT Screw in cfl (9-14w) if you add 2x9w bulbs it should be perfect for you to grow any low light plant you can find, such as java fern and java moss without any problems.

 

[StereoKills]

:iagree: Upgrading your lighting is the first step. You should be able to grow most low light plants without anything more then that. If that doesn't fix the problem 100%, you may want to do some light dosing of nutrients.

 

[daniel364]

Okay thanks guys, i actually live in the U.K but im sure i can find a store that sells what you are talking about. BK, when you say 2x9w incandecent bulbs, does that mean i have, at the moment two bulbs of 11w or two bulbs with a total of 11w?
Sorry, im not too clear with tank lighting and the terms.
Thanks

 

[StereoKills]

He was suggesting to get a quantity of 2, 9 watt bulbs. You want to stay away from incandescent bulbs as those provide no help to plants whatsoever. Always use incandescent bulbs with plants.

 

[Fordtrannyman]

Always use incandescent bulbs with plants.

Always use Florescent Bulbs* with plants. (StereoKills typo)

 

[Bk718]

^^^ yup lol

2 bulbs of 11w each will be just fine. Just if you are going with low light plants make sure not to have the light on for 2 long or else you will start experiencing algae. You can also look into do-it-yourself CO2

 

[daniel364]

Okay, thanks guys, il look into upgrading my light soon as possible.

Thanks