Suggestions for beginner plants -- 10 g tank

[b_dog]

Recently added a Fluorescent 15 Watt T8 Bulb 18" to replace my old 2 incandescent bulbs. I know that may not be a lot for a 10 gallon tank...
Has a Whisper power filter, and water condition has been tested a few times recently has been ok...Nitrite- 0, Ammonia-0, pH - 8.4, Nitrate- 20

Currently in my tank I have 2 oto's, 2 black fin tetras, and 2 bloodfin tetras. Planning on adding several more tetras in the near future. But after reading around I think it would be beneficial to add some or a few plants. I was looking into something easy and low maintenance. I like the look and opinions on Java fern, any other ideas.

Any starter suggestions on java fern besides just attaching it to a rock and not putting it underneath substrate?

 

[misopeenut]

watch out for the temperature, ferns dont do too well with hot water.

 

[ET1]

Dog,
I've had success with Moneywart (Bacopa monieri I believe), and Corkscrew Vallisneria. The corkscrew's traveling root allows new shoots to pop up around any ornament that it's planted near for a very natural effect. It's also a very open airy plant, good for smaller tanks. I have never fertilized them and they have done very well on their own. These plants were recommended to me as good starter plants by my LFS and I'd say it was good advice.

 

[yonukka]

you shoud watch out with that high ph level. You should also make a DIY co2 reator if you are planning on growing a lot of ferns, Although they will grow without fertilization.

 

[hughitt1]

If you just have the 15watt over the tank now that is certainly not too much, but should be pretty good for growing some plants. Having a high ph however will make this more difficult. Is your water this hard right out of the faucet?

You could add some small driftwood and attach the java fern to it. Java fern would be a great plant for your 10 gallon.. I would also consider foxtail (myriophyllum sp.) and hygrophila polysperma. but once more, i'm not sure if they would do okay in that kind of ph.

The fish you have the tank also all are from South America and prefer much lower ph (6-7 or so).. If you can find out whats causing your ph to be so high and remove it, it would be beneficial to both the fish and plants.

 

[twig]

I have Javamoss, Corkscrew Val, a hygro, and some hornwort in my 20 gallon with 15 watts over it.

I have co2 and heavily fert it though.

 

[reiverix]

Java fern will be fine with your pH. It is a really easy plant to grow. Since you have a 10g I'd recommend trying narrow leaf java fern since it doesn't grow too big. You might also want to try anubias and crypts.