Want to start a 55g planted.
- Thread starter Dekz
- Start date
I have a 55 as well, with similar plants. The highest light plant I'm growing successfully is Alternanthera. It grew better when I had DIY, but it's holding its own. I have 4 x 35watts = 140 watts, but I don't think the tubes are at their best. I do have algae, but nothing I can't deal with. I do intend to start injecting again to control the algae and speed up the growth (it does work; last time I did it my bristlenoses starved 
) but my (and I suspect Mokomon's as well) is that it isn't an essential. I'm giving away Dwarf Saf, Java Fern and Ceratopteris on a weekly basis.
) but my (and I suspect Mokomon's as well) is that it isn't an essential. I'm giving away Dwarf Saf, Java Fern and Ceratopteris on a weekly basis.
when I had my 55 going, I had a similar setup to Mokomon. about 1.5W, never ever ever added fert. jsut a couple root tabs under my amazon swords. 1 bag of flourite mixed with regular sand/gravel mixture. Only algae I EVER had, was some black beard that an anubia brought in. Low tech all the way baby!! And there are a wide range of plants that can be kept. really, I've found you're mostly limited when it comes to red/pink/purple plants. most of them require higher light. Otherwise, there's a ton that will work.
I agree that it really depends on what plants you like...I have a tank without CO2 (although with eco complete and using seachem ferts) and my plants do extremely well. Unfortunately I love the red/purple plants so am doing CO2 for my newest tank. I have seen really nice low light tanks using crypts, anubias, java ferns, and other low-light plants that look just as good as high tech tanks. 
I also love rainbows...make sure to post pictures when you get it set up!
I also love rainbows...make sure to post pictures when you get it set up!
