Hey everyone, new to planted aquariums. Been wanting one for awhile and several months ago I bought a few swords (not really sure the exact kind). The goal was just to help the water quality, look pretty nice, but wasnt interested in a jungle. Basically I did nothing to or for the plants, no ferts etc so therefore they have been growing VERY slowly to say the least which WAS fine but they are still alive and looking decent.
Lately, been kinda bored with the tank and after looking at some of the great tank photos here I decided maybe it was time to change all that and get some more plants. I bought a low light package from one of the members here (great plants!! btw). They came yesterday and to say the least I am a bit overwhelmed and after seeing the beautiful plants I certainly dont want them to die. Here are the plants I purchased........
2 large grandifolius swords
2 large java ferns
2 small java ferns
2 amazon sword
1 mixed sword
1 dwarf lilly
1 aponogenton crispus
1 anubias congensis
1 large anubias congensis
1 anubias barteri
1 bananna plant
1 java moss portion
My tank is a standard 55 gal, well established, parameters are well within acceptable limits. It is a community tank with various livebearers, tetras, corys, a few apple snails. Lighting, (I just bought a new light fixure) consists of a perfecto dual light, 2 54 watt t5 ho bulbs. No co2 (not really interested) and am running a bubble wand. 2 filters, marineland 350 and aquaclear 30 (no particular reason for 2 other than I figured more is better). Substrate is normal pool filter sand. Hopefully that is enough info for all my questions so here goes.....
1. Is there some do's and dont's when planting plants?
2. a couple of the bigger ones have roots everywhere...does the whole root need to be in the sand? (stupid question Im sure)
3. I bought flourish iron,excel, and comprehensive supplement (beginner pack from Dr. Fosters) as well as flourish root tabs and put 10 of them in the substrate as recommended. Other than following the directions on each item, is there some advice or thoughts on using these products?
4. My wife tied the java moss to a piece of artificial driftwood I have using basic thread from here sewing kit. Is that ok and is it ok for some of the moss to be sort of floating, or does it all need to be tied down?
5. Based on what you know, what should I expect from these plants? How exactly will I know if they arent doing well and how much growth do you think I should expect.
That should get me started. I appreciate any, (good or bad) thoughts you have. Like I say, I want all the plants to do well but I am wondering if I bit off more than I can chew. Thanks for your input.
Lately, been kinda bored with the tank and after looking at some of the great tank photos here I decided maybe it was time to change all that and get some more plants. I bought a low light package from one of the members here (great plants!! btw). They came yesterday and to say the least I am a bit overwhelmed and after seeing the beautiful plants I certainly dont want them to die. Here are the plants I purchased........
2 large grandifolius swords
2 large java ferns
2 small java ferns
2 amazon sword
1 mixed sword
1 dwarf lilly
1 aponogenton crispus
1 anubias congensis
1 large anubias congensis
1 anubias barteri
1 bananna plant
1 java moss portion
My tank is a standard 55 gal, well established, parameters are well within acceptable limits. It is a community tank with various livebearers, tetras, corys, a few apple snails. Lighting, (I just bought a new light fixure) consists of a perfecto dual light, 2 54 watt t5 ho bulbs. No co2 (not really interested) and am running a bubble wand. 2 filters, marineland 350 and aquaclear 30 (no particular reason for 2 other than I figured more is better). Substrate is normal pool filter sand. Hopefully that is enough info for all my questions so here goes.....
1. Is there some do's and dont's when planting plants?
2. a couple of the bigger ones have roots everywhere...does the whole root need to be in the sand? (stupid question Im sure)
3. I bought flourish iron,excel, and comprehensive supplement (beginner pack from Dr. Fosters) as well as flourish root tabs and put 10 of them in the substrate as recommended. Other than following the directions on each item, is there some advice or thoughts on using these products?
4. My wife tied the java moss to a piece of artificial driftwood I have using basic thread from here sewing kit. Is that ok and is it ok for some of the moss to be sort of floating, or does it all need to be tied down?
5. Based on what you know, what should I expect from these plants? How exactly will I know if they arent doing well and how much growth do you think I should expect.
That should get me started. I appreciate any, (good or bad) thoughts you have. Like I say, I want all the plants to do well but I am wondering if I bit off more than I can chew. Thanks for your input.
