Want to add plants. Help?

[Traci]

Hi! I'm setting up a new tank, and would appreciate any thoughts you may have. It's a 10g with a Proquatics 120 external filter, 6 inch airstone and small pump, a mix of gravel and small pebble substrate, and a standard Wallyword line hood with flourescent bulb.

Okay, here's the catch. I'm setting it up for powder blue papershell crayfish, so no heater. They need a range of 70 - 75 fahrenheit. I already have one plant in, still in it's pot. Not sure what it is, but the PetSmart person said it was okay for coldwater. Not so sure now, because I've already had to clip off one large leaf since Saturday, as it curled in on itself and turned brown.

Currently cycling the tank with 3 small feeder comets, and would like to add more plants. I used some Plant Gro for the plant in it now.

So, what can I add, what should I add, what have I done wrong, what can you suggest? I'd like to have the tank be not overpowered with plants, but I'd like it to be more natural (if such can be said for aquariums!). My central pieces are all rocks I took from the dry creekbed behind my house, and the pebbles I added to them because I thought it looked more "right" than straight gravel. (And also because the crayfish vendor recommended NOT using gravel for the crays).

Anyway, any suggestions appreciated. Much thanks. Tank pic posted on the newby forum at: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14710

 

[OrionGirl]

I have anubias, cambomba, java ferns, and spiralling crypts in my cool water tank--it sits at about 72-74. How many watts light do you have? That will be the determining factor.

 

[Traci]

Gosh OrionGirl, you are always such a help! How long have you been doing this?

15 watts. It didn't say on the box, but it's printed on the bulb. It's definitely a flourescent. I'm not sure if I should increase the wattage. The light as is seems to raise the temperature to about 75 when I have it on, (water seems stable at around 72 when it's off.) The crays can take a higher temp in short doses, and everything I've read seems to suggest that there will be a cool layer of water at the bottom of the tank for the crays regardless. But, I don't want to fry 'em!

Would 15 watts be enough for the plants you recommend? Also, should I be taking them out of the pots? The LFS lady didn't say much beyond pointing out the plant gro. If I do take them out of the pots, will they be okay in the pebbles and gravel that I have?

 

[OrionGirl]

The anubias will be great, as will the lower light crypts (wendtii does good for me, avoid the 'red' plants). The anubias is super easy, because it attached to a rock or wood chunk, and doesn't care about the substrate. I have crypts in laterite, gravel, and sand--they all grow about the same. If there's lots of ambient light, this will help out as well.

If you haven't already, pick up a timer to run the lights. This way, you can have them on for 8 hours or so, and this will reduce the heating concerns without compromising the plants. Keep in mind that most critters are okay with gradual temperature changes, it's the sudden changes that shock their system and cause problems. Adequate circulation will also help keep the water cool, though you'll need to top off for the evaporation regularly. In my open top 20, I lose about 1/2 gallon a day if I have the surface rippling, down to about a gallon a week if the surface is calm.

I'm just a newbie--guess I've been a mod for about a year, and really into fish/amphibian keeping for about 4 years now. There are many here with WAY more experience than me, and lots with more specific expertise. I'm a generalist--bit of SW, bit of FW, plants, and brackish. But thanks--I try!