2.5 Gallon

[Lexie3787]

ok so in tropical chit chat I was asking what to do with my 2.5 gallon. This final solution is a dwarf puffer/sand/plants. The suggested plants were java moss/fern/hornwort. The tank is the minibow 2.5 and it came with a 15 watt bulb. Is this enough for these plants? Could I mix all three plants or should I stick to just 1 or just 2? Will the plants be ok for the puffer? etc etc etc...

 

[Incitic]

All the plants should be fine together. Dont know about the puffer though.

 

[Misskiwi67]

sounds good to me. I'll be setting up a minibow planted here soon too. I purchased a 10W compact fluorescent bulb to replace the 15W (supposedly equivalent to 50W fluorescent) and if the bulb is better, I'll let you know... I'm worried it might cook the tank... we shall see

I would just plant a little of all three plants and see what grows the best, and what you like the best.

 

[kenneth_kpe]

the java moss and fern might do ok but i doubt the hornwort will unless you let if float around i guess 10 watts is very little lighting over a 2.5 gal hope this helps

 

[Lexie3787]

But what about the puffer? I started this topic in tropical chit chat, and the puffer got suggested

 

[Misskiwi67]

I've had puffers before, and they're really cute and fun. I don't see why you couldn't keep one or two in a nice planted tank. They're fin nippers though, so don't crowd them.

Also, they love frozen bloodworms...

 

[Lexie3787]

Ok, I went to the stores around here looking for the three plants named above, and they didn't have any. Is there any possible way that these plants might have other names? Also, I would really appreciate someone telling me WHAT exactly I need to add/do to my tank for these plants. Imean this is a fish forum right? Why are people sending me to go look on google when theres a whole forum dedicated to exactly what Im asking? The thing is I dont understand the CO2 thing. I would need a "CO2 for Dummies" type step by step thing. No one will give it to me though

 

[kenneth_kpe]

co2

thre are more pinned topics in the co2 main page you could check out but regarding the plants thats the common name for those... what plants did the lfs's have ? did you get the names of those plants >?

 

[Lexie3787]

I read that and reread it and reread it, I would like to do the injection one but all it says is basically "The cheapest and a popular way is to DIY. There are many articles available on the Internet so I will not go into too much detail"

 

[cometcattle]

Is this the tank you have?

If so, you will have to replace the incandescent bulb with a fluorescent "screw-in" to grow plants. I'd recommend the exact one in the link.

 

[Lexie3787]

Yep thats it, thank you very much. Im starting to learn the co2 thing I just dont know how much to add of each thing.

 

[cometcattle]

I'm not sure if you really need CO2. If your set on getting it, I would go for the Hagan system. It will come with pre-measured packets of yeast and baking powder, and you have to add your own sugar (it has a line that you fill the sugar to). The packets themselves are a HUGE rip-off and you're better off to replace and do your own mix. The recipe is simply half teaspoon of active dry yeast (I use Red Star, you can pick up a jar for about $7.00 at your grocery store) and a full teaspoon of baking powder. The DIY mixture works much better than the packets. I change mine about every 10 days.

You will also want to add a bit of Liquid fertilizer. I'd recommend Seachem Flourish. Just don't overdose, it's very concentrated.

As for the plants you have listed, I personally would replace the Hornwort with Hygro polysperma. It will take root better and it's not such a mess.

What kind of substrate are you going to use?

 

[penguinpimp1990]

Most puffers tear holes in plants in search for snails. Im not sure if a dwarf puffer does this but im guessing it will.

maybe try a betta instead?

 

[Lexie3787]

Sand, and Id rather not have to use CO2, you think I can get away without it?

 

[cometcattle]

Sand, and Id rather not have to use CO2, you think I can get away without it?

I'd try it without the CO2. You can always add it later.