plant recs for a beginner

[new2tanks]

do i have to go with co2 injection? i read the sticky above and it sounds sooo complicated.

do i need it for my size tank not medium planted?

 

[Lobo.]

to keep (hardy) plants ALIVE, you dont need to add anything really, but the setup might look bad, and you might (or will) have dead plant leaves come off the plants as they grow. to keep plants alive and ok looking, you really just need more wats in your light and good substraight (flourite is very good) i forgot what the recomended watts per gallon is, but im shure that you can get it and info on flourite from a lil research or someone will chime in...

 

[new2tanks]

fluorite it is..... and i heard that excel is also an option for someone whos vary of DIY CO2.

Roan , what is the background of your tanks? it looks awesome in the 2nd pic.

 

[new2tanks]

It's hard to recommend plants for you without knowing first what kind of lighting you have over your tank, and how many watts. Then we can decide which plants would be best, and what kind kind of substrate you would need.

hi,

i just bought a starter kit that is 20g long and has 15W fluorscent lighting.
is this okay for live plants and tetras, and pygmy cory cats?

what aboutthe substrate?
thanks.

 

[John N.]

You won't have enough lighting to grow many plants. But you can stick to Java Fern, Java Moss, Anubias and crypts.

Checkout the plantfinder at www.aquaticplantcentral.com. The have a good plant guide that will tell you if you meet the lighting andl living requirements of the plant.

CO2 is always a good addition. DIY CO2 is easy, and simple. Trust me..I did it, and currently do it using a pop bottle and a glass diffusor.

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68834

-John N.

 

[Roan Art]

Roan , what is the background of your tanks? it looks awesome in the 2nd pic.

Black acrylic paint. I've experimented with plastic scenery, the OceanVision stuff, material, you name it. Whats worked the best for me is painting the back of the tank with acrylic paint.

I've painted all my tanks with black acrylic except one, which I painted green. That was a mistake and when I get some time I'm going to remove it and paint it black as well.

Roan

 

[new2tanks]

are the sides painted too?

 

[Roan Art]

are the sides painted too?

No, just the back. Well, except for the stupid corner tank I have. I hated that thing because I always felt like I was going to fall into it. With that one I painted the back, and because the sides are actually two parts, the rear part of the sides.

It no longer feels like I'm falling in it.

Roan

 

[lousybreed]

Roan, in your second pic it looks like you have a crypt that you forgot to mention. By the way your tank looks bangin' and hopefully mine will be half that sweet.