i was wondering if it is possible to have a densely planted, pretty tank without having Co2. i have had Co2 in the past but i still have no idea how some people have those amazing tanks without supergluing the plants in place.
Yes it is.
Sorry, got carried away, but this scape was done without CO2 and minimal dosing. I also have a 2.5g without CO2, and a 20g without CO2.
It is totally possible, you just have to know which plant species to pick, and don't be afraid to experiment. A nutrient-rich substrate isn't essential either. The scape above used just plain old 1-3mm gravel with some laterite mixed in. Nothing expensive or fancy. I tend to have powerful filtration, though, and good water circulation throughout the tank. I also tend to over stock with fish, and let that take care of some of my dosing.
I do think that the light penetration has something to do with it, and the tank above was quite shallow, which meant that the full light strength, or close to it, was penetrating towards the gravel. This helped me with some of the lower-growing plants.
The list of plants in my signature has plants that will do well in these conditions. I may have to tweak the list somewhat as a few of us have dispelled some myths about what seemed to be high light plants, and are getting these to thrive in lower light.
It is totally possible. Have fun with it.
llj
