Questions about getting started with low light plants.

[Que]

I have a 55g tank that I want to turn into a plant display/nursery tank for low light/low maintainance plants. I don't want to get into CO2 or special lighting just yet.

Can anyone give me pointers to what I can read up on? I need to know what kinds of plants work well in low light community tanks, what kinds of substrate are OK. Are water changes important for plants too? Recommended room mates. Anything to get me started.

I will try the pay it forward plant deal to get me going and hope it all works out well enough to donate back.

Q

 

[phanmc]

For a 55g tank, you'll want about 70-100w of light depending on the kind of bulb, lower end for compact fluorescent or high output T5s and higher end for regular fluorescents.

Low light plants that doesn't need a fertile substrate:

Java ferns & mosses
any anubias
African fern
anacharis
hornwort
marimo balls
water wisteria and most hygrophilas
water sprite

Low light plants that would do better in a fertile substrate:

Most crypts
dwarf clover (marsilea)

Some pllant substrates are:

Flourite
Eco-Complete
ADA Aquasoil
Onyx Sand
Schultz Aquatic Soil (used in ponds and gardens)
Soilmaster Select (used for sports fields)
Turface (used for sports fields)

Water changes are important in a planted tank as most water sources contains small amounts of nutrients and minerals needed for plant growth. A low light tank may not need additional ferts if weekly water changes are done.

Regarding ferts, visit www.rexgrigg.com to learn more about them.

 

[Que]

Wow... thanks for the info.

So the standard 40w light that comes with a lot of 55g tanks is TOO low? I was hoping I wouldn't have to get a new light. That would mean a new light for all my tanks I want to have plants in I guess since thay all have the standard lights and tops. I guess I could build a new glass top and retrofit a shop light but I'll have to save up.

Thanks again

Q

 

[Mgamer20o0]

40w over a 55 isnt going to do it.

 

[kjf91004]

Believe it or not, but it can be done, you are just very, very limited as far as plants. My brother in law grows anubias nana and wisteria in his 55 with standard lighting. (40 watts total) Those plants will grow very slowly and be rather thin. But they will look OK. ALso, they will benefit from occasional use of a "general" type of fertilizer. I would think java moss would also be OK for use.

It would help, also, if the tank saw a little bit (not a lot) of natural light. Too much light causes algae, but I think a little would help supplement.

Eventually, you are going to want additional lighting... you could easily do it for around $100 through www.ahsupply.com with a 2x55 watt kit.

 

[Que]

If plants in the wild get 10-12 hrs of sunlight a day then one would think that having a fish tank in a south facing window would be the best thing you could do but this isn't the case is it? Why?

Q

Thanks for the replys so far. $100 is not in my budget... yet.

 

[phanmc]

People recommend against using direct sunlight because sunlight is very strong and will promote extremely fast growth, it's like using over 5wpg. With the increased light you will need to inject CO2 and additional ferts, and any problem will develop much quicker.