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[GobyMaster]

Hi, I'm about to set up my first planted tank (a 30-long [36x12.5x13"]) which will be densely planted with the following plants:
*Foreground Plants*
Micro Swordplant (Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae)
Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis acicularis)
Moss Ball (Chladophora aegagropila)
Banana Plant (Nymphoides aquatica)
Dwarf Anubius (Anubius nana)
Riccia (Riccia fluitians)
Anubius (Anubias barteri)
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
Fountain Plant (Sagittaria subulata)
Twisted Vallis (Vallisneria americana)
Indian Rotala (Rotala indica)
Amazon Swordplant (Echinodorus amazonicus)
Balansae Plant (Cryptocoryne crispatula)
Red Rubin (Echinodorus rubin)
What type of lighting would you recommend?
Cheers,
GobyMaster

 

[Themuleous]

You after a high light, full on tank or low light easier to care for tank?

Sam

 

[GobyMaster]

I'm not sure. Which is better for a planted tank, a lid or no lid? I'm mainly worried about the fish jumping out, and my cats discovering that there's no lid. The fish I want are fairly shy fish (who like densely planted tanks), so I don't think it'll be an issue.
All the planted tanks I've seen here all don't have a lid. Is there a reason for that?
Sorry for all the questions,
Thanks,
GobyMaster

 

[Themuleous]

There is no particular reason for not having a lid. Some light fixtures e.g. luminary's, sit on top of the tank so you cant have a lid with those, but its mostly personal choice. The fish shouldn't jump out

Sam

 

[GobyMaster]

Excellent. Also, I have a plant question. I was looking at Gill's planted tanks (they're incredible), and there are lots of floating plants. Here's a picture:

The stuff at the surface that's hanging down. What is it?
Thanks,
GobyMaster

 

[showjyr]

A bit hard to tell from the pic but i think it's duck weed. I have a lot in my thirty gallon, grows like crazy.

 

[anodized]

looks like riccia. when it grows on the surface it sprouts a root looking thing and that type of leaf

 

[garuf]

looks like riccia. when it grows on the surface it sprouts a root looking thing and that type of leaf

sorry but it looks nothing like riccia, if anything its duck weed ive had riccia in my tank and its more like green twigs than anything.

 

[SuperColey1]

I was thinking Riccia when I first saw it there at the back. Picture is not so clear to confirm.

The plant at the front and right does look like duckweed though.

Andy