Creating New Planted Tank

[lilacamy931]

Hey guys, I aint really greenfingered but due to recent algae probs in one tank etc, my new tank would like to plant up real good and get rid of silks in my current tanks, also because it looks nicer. The tank that is empty and awaiting setup is a 18" cube that is going to be divided in to 4 sections for bettas. The plan is to have a 2" substrate of sand (normal run of the mill variety). The flow in this tank will be very limited.

I was going to add usual cambomba, limnophila aquatica, perhaps java ferns as had realtively good success with these. I have been browsing a site and came up with following what do you think, for a easy low maintenance?

These were some in mind mostly labelled easy care and believe low-mid lighting - gymnocorcnis spilantrade, nymphae ribra, riccia flutians, egena densa, barclaya longfolia, crinium calamistratum. I have some seachem excel but would like the easy life for planted tank

I need to purchase some sort of lighting for this tank (recommendations on a possible cheap setup for the type of plants in mind would be great).

The 14g with the algae problem (I do know the cause so no worries there) but are there any easy fast growing plants I can introduce, to help compete and also pad the tank out very well?

Lastly perhaps a silly question, some plants I have luck with planting in substrate (gravel) ok, but others I end up leaving in the ceramic pots as can't get them to stay put and even in the pots are awkward -tip? LOL.

One more question - fairy moss a nice floating plant to add that is beneficial? If not what other floating ones are good but not a pain?

Thanks for reading (and patience) I am still learning.

To recap as I ramble:
1. Substrate recommendation for the above requirements on 18" cube?
2. Listed plants a good idea, any to avoid or consider?
3. Lighting, fixture needs to be added, any recommendations, the cheaper the better!
4. Fast super growing plants for the 14g?
5. Tips on keeping plants planted?
6. Floating plants, fairy moss good or others that would be beneficial?

Thanks so very very much!

 

[lilacamy931]

Mini bump

 

[Truck]

1. Substrate recommendation for the above requirements on 18" cube?
2. Listed plants a good idea, any to avoid or consider?
3. Lighting, fixture needs to be added, any recommendations, the cheaper the better!
4. Fast super growing plants for the 14g?
5. Tips on keeping plants planted?
6. Floating plants, fairy moss good or others that would be beneficial?

1.clay cat litter capped with sand or gravel
2.just stick to easy to grow species such as anubias, crypts, ferns, vallis, echinodorus and hygro etc
3. a 15 watt T8 will do for all those easy plants that have lower lighting requirements
4. hygro
6.with low light you dont really need any floating plants as they will block out light.

 

[lilacamy931]

thanks truckasaurus! I do have khulis which really need sand but if went for dorset pea gravel small or polished stone chips do you reckon they would far well?

 

[Truck]

i think sand would be a better choice.

 

[hogan53]

Hi
Unipac silica sand would be ideal its similar to swimming pool filter sand.
That's what im going to use in my nano soon, if i can find a local supplier.
hoggie

 

[lilacamy931]

thanks guys, so as long as silica sand then? With a bottom nutrient substrate good for the plants and loaches just ensure does not compact down.

 

[Truck]

thanks guys, so as long as silica sand then? With a bottom nutrient substrate good for the plants and loaches just ensure does not compact down.

it doesnt really matter if it packs down, the plants roots will aerate the substrate and stop it from piling down...and where it does pile down it wont pose any threats.

i would just go with play sand

 

[hogan53]

Hi
This sand doesn't compact that easy because its larger in size 2mm to 3mm.
Aqua essentials do a similar sand have a look see what you think.
hoggie

 

[lilacamy931]

Oooh thanks hogan53, so that has a good coarseness, dont need under substrate and will be helpful on the loaches, that will go on my research list thanks. Will consider this next to dorset pea to see what can readily get.

p.s looking at seachem flourite black sand if that helps!


one small question looking at the likes of B&Q there is play pit sand which presume is no good?

 

[Geoff1991]

Got an argos near you? I got mine from there.

If you want easy grow plants, some of the plants in my tank (picture in sig) would do.

Hygrophila polysperma is probably my favourite plant, very fast growth.

 

[lilacamy931]

Thanks Geoff as always xxx Seriously Argos? Definately going to check that out. Thanks will look into hygrophila and going to read the rest of your thread, the tank looks gorgeous by the waY!

 

[The young one]

Quite a few people use argos play sand as it is just sand with no extra bits because it is meant for kids to roll around in.

 

[lilacamy931]

We live and learn, at least I do! Brill will have to go lurk at Argos me thinks. Brillo, thanks guys

p.s. 15kg for £3 is a bargain and at the local. Must pick some up on my way there, that will sort the loaches out, make it deep enough (probably 2 inches) and then I am going to go all out and buy some tetra complete for underneath, yay!

 

[Geoff1991]

Yeah you can see my use of argos playsand in my sig, works really well.

Edit: Make sure you park near or take someone with you, i walked home with mine and its like a dead weight Really annoying to carry.