Adding Plants?

[blur411]

I started reading all the newb resources for adding plants...and wow...over whelming!

If I want to add just a few plants, and I have a 55 gallon tank with a hooded light, can I do this without too much extra work? Should I buy API® CO2 Plant Booster? If I'm only adding a few should I wait until I'm completely cycled?

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Ok, what wattage is your lighting? Also is it T5 or T8? Thinner tubes are T5. If we know what lighting you have then we can get some idea of what you'd need or not need to grow plants.

 

[blur411]

I honestly never looked at the light before today (it is a used tank). Its a 24 inch, "10" UVB bulb...that says for "reptiles only" ugh...so I assume, I need to go buy a different bulb? What do you suggest? I have the long hooded tank...it's 55 gallons. Also, at the LFS they told me I could buy this black substrate that is all I need for the plants...and some plant food it also states "Instant cycling" on the bag. is this a gimmick? This store had great reviews on line but I just find all this conflicting info overwhelming

 

[blur411]

Bump?

 

[Ps3Steveo]

The substrate they're talking about probably releases ammonia to cycle the filter, if heavily planting you can put some stock in quickly but don't overload it as the plants will take up some of the waste. If your tank is 55Gal and you want to not dose CO2 I'd suggest getting a T8 bulb around the same wattage as the amount of gallons or two that come to around the 60W mark, that way if you heavily plant you will only need to dose some micro nutrients like TPN or aqua Nourish, just dont buy the plus version unless you want to do lots of water changes and dose CO2, if you go with that wattage I stated your tank will be nice and low tech.