Suggestions

[boomerjr91]

Hi! I would like to start with live plants eventually. I'll probably have low lighting. The tank I'm thinking about is my 20g long community tank. Currently, there are 4 neon tetras and 4 lemon tetras. Plan on stocking the neons to 8 and lemons to 6. Will get a school of cories soon also. I'd also like to know allthe needed supplies for live plants as well? All suggestions are welcome. Thanks!:help:

 

[Mgamer20o0]

low light plants you wont have to worry about co2 or ferts. your best bet would to get some lights from ahsupply. you can also look into screw in power compact bulbs like they sell at walmart.

 

[boomerjr91]

is a 17 watt fluorescent bulb all right? also you have any suggestions on plants?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i would look to add light. 17w over a 20 gal tank isnt much.

as for plants java moss java fern hornwort some crypts....

 

[boomerjr91]

ok thanks for the suggestions. I might be interested in some of your plants. also did you get anything on ahsupply. i'm thinking about the 36 watt bright kit but not too sure about it?

 

[Robert H]

36 watts on a 20 gallon is not too bad, particularly since its not that deep a tank and with the AH reflectors you will get a little increase in light. Cryptocorynes, Anubias, Egeria najas, E. tenellus for the foreground would be my suggestions.

 

[boomerjr91]

i would need a 55 watt bright kit to fit my tank. what plants would work with this?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

55w gives you a lot more options. this might help. medium light plants would work.

http://www.aquahobby.com/e_garden.php
http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide.php

 

[boomerjr91]

would I need fert and co2 with medium plants?

 

[redswi]

usually you start to look at CO2 when you reach 2watts and up...

I wanted low to moderate plants myself, without the CO2 and heavy fert schedule, so I opted for 1.9wpg using screw-in flourecent day light bulbs, shultz aquatic soil, and jobes plant spikes once every 2 months...my hornwort, java moss, and anacharis grow like weeds, while my amazon and melon sword send out new shoots almost daily...

cheap and simple