Can You Answer A Few Questions?

[Philcav7]

I recently set up a 40 gallon (36x18x16) tank for two goldfish. It has two aquaclear 70 filters (about 600 gph flow).

I have searched to learn more about plants, but haven't found answers/solid info for my questions. Can you share you experience/knowledge regarding my needs?

I want to have some plants that need minimal maintenance (no CO2, minimal ferts) for KY coldwater setup. I have added the following plants: 1 windelov java fern, 3 narrow leaf java fern, 3 anubias nana. I am currently using a aqueon dual T5NO fixture with two 36" 21 watt lamps, providing 1WPG. Below are my questions...

1. Is this fixture adequate for my plants, or should I return it and get a dual T5HO 36" fixture? (keeping in mind info above)

2. Does the need of CO2 and extra care/ferts depend on the quantity of plants or the type of plants?

3. What is the best low budget fert/minerals for me to use on a weekly or so basis?

4. I plan to add some moss onto slate, what is the best to use with goldfish (that they won't eat)?

Thanks for any input.

 

[Ps3Steveo]

1. That light is fine providing you have enough spread of light with the shorter tubes.

2. Yes and no, you would also need it if your lighting was medium or high but your plants and lighting don't require it as your lighting is low, also if low tech as we call it ( low light, no CO2 or ferts) then it depends on stocking as to whether you'll need ferts at some point.

3. Best ferts on low budget are dry salts and mixing your own, there is a thread in lighting, co2, ferts and flow section. If buying all in one trace mix then it depends where in the world you are.

4. No idea as I never kept goldfish in planted aquariums.

Hope this helps

 

[Tankboomshazam]

i'm not quite sure about some of your questions, but the plants that i find seem to work well are hydro plants, with older bright green leaves and dark pink/purple baby leaves. i've had to do less water changes cause plants seem to do a lot for tanks in general, but my fish have done some mowing, and the leaves seem to be really tasty to my fish, even though they never touch my viola plants.

 

[Philcav7]

My current fixture is 36" long as well. It is sitting directly on the glass canopy so light coverage is good.

Glad to hear that it should be adequate for these plants.

 

[Ps3Steveo]

What ever you buy just make sure you check out our non aquatic plant guide as most of the purple leaved and brightly coloured plants are house plants.

 

[SO19Firearms]

i've had to do less water changes cause plants seem to do a lot for tanks in general

That would imply you're changing less water because of a reduction in something you're testing for and that's a bad idea.

IMO

 

[Philcav7]

The only thing I plan to add would be a carpeting plant such as a moss or dwarf hair grass. The challenge I am finding is getting a carpet that does well in cold water, grows with 1wpg, and goldfish won't eat. Seems like goldys each 90% of the plants out there. So far they haven't touched my ferns anubias.

Oh, I thought of another question. Does the lighting demand increase with the quantity of plants in the tank? I plan to divide/cut my plant rhizomes and spread them out as the grow. Assuming that there is no shading created by the increase, lighting demands would remain constant and nutrients would need to increase to fulfill the higher plant-load. Correct?

I just want to triple check that I have the correct light fixture for my needs. I've spent a ton of money setting this tank up and want to return the fixture if it's not adequate.

Thanks again. I will figure this plant thing out eventually.

 

[Ps3Steveo]

So long as nothing gets overshadowed with more plants then the lighting can stay the same and keep an eye on the plants to see if they require higher fert dosing.