Beginner Needs Help

[big_mac1810]

Hi guys. I've just got my hands on a fluval osaka 155 which has dimensions of 60cm (L) x 48 (D) x 60 (H). This is obviously quite a big cubic tank and I want to plant live plants which i didn't do withy first aquarium.

I have a rough idea that I would like the tank to have one heavily planted area to one side but after that my knowledge/imagination reaches it's limit.

Any advice would be greatfully received.

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Lighting specs please???

 

[big_mac1810]

The tank set up comes with a T5 overhead lighting unit. It has 2 24in bulbs. One is described as a 24w power glo and the other as a 24w life glow. I was also planning on using very fine gravel as a substrate and using the supplied fluval 205 external filter.

The tank set up comes with a T5 overhead lighting unit. It has 2 24in bulbs. One is described as a 24w power glo and the other as a 24w life glow. I was also planning on using very fine gravel as a substrate and using the supplied fluval 205 external filter.

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Right, your lighting is low so no need for CO2 or ferts really providing your keeping fish in there too. This is as long as you pick slow growing plants and have say a heavily planted area, rather than a heavily planted tank on every square inch. Make sure the tank is well cycled as the last thing you want is an algae outbreak then you can get planting.

Choices of plants for you would be:
Java Fern (normal, narrow and needle leaf)
Various Mosses
Various Anubias
Various Crypts
Hair Grass
Various Swords
Vallis

Hope this helps

 

[big_mac1810]

That's awesome man. Thank you.