Getting Started On A Planted Aquarium

[CezzaXV]

I'm sure you guys probably get asked this all the time but I couldn't find what I wanted in recent topics.

My fishless cycle is reaching it's end right now so I'm beginning to look into what plants to get. I'm not going down the CO2 route so I'm looking for plants that are pretty undemanding. I know there's a pinned topic with a list of plants, but is there a list anywhere of "beginner's" plants?

Also looking to get some kind of fertiliser. Is there a particular type that is recommended? I'd rather go with liquid stuff rather than putting anything into the substrate, unless the under the substrate stuff is significantly better.

I really like the look of the red tiger lotuses. Is that a recipe for disaster?

Finally, is there anything else I should know?

Thanks for helping a noob in need

 

[Primous]

Ok

I've been where you are so to speak so I'll answer your questions based on my experience of my planted journey. Firstly, go with an organic dirt based substrate capped with a small sized gravel. The benefits of this for a planted tank number more than I can mention. Secondly, go with root tabs as opposed to a liquid fert. Adding chemicals to the water often (not always) leads to an imbalance making your aquarium vulnerable to a whole host of algae types that thrive on imbalance.

Lotus plants will need C02.

 

[CezzaXV]

I plan on keeping cories, so gravel isn't an option unfortunately.

Is there a specific type of root tab which is better than the others?

 

[Primous]

Tropica Plant Nutrition +

Contains macro and micro nutrients and in my humble in a completely different league when it comes to root tabs lol

 

[CezzaXV]

Thanks, shall look into that one.

I've done a bit of research and seen the Nutrafin CO2 kit which only costs about £17, which is alot cheaper than I thought CO2 costs.

Is it worth getting one of these or am I wasting my money?

 

[Primous]

You can make the same thing at home for zero cost. If you're looking into diy co2 I must stress that you look into and experiment with different co2 recipes, with the aim of finding the most consistent bubbles per minute (bpm)

Reason being, if you use a generic recipe the bpm is likely to be inconsistent and lead to outbreaks of algae like black brush. An algae type which has tanked many planted aquariums forcing many (myself included) to start over from scratch.

 

[CezzaXV]

At the moment I don't want to do DIY CO2. If there's a kit like the Nutrafin one that works well then that's great, but at the moment I'd rather go without than mess about with all that and risk screwing my tank over.

It's a possibility in the future, but I just don't want the hassle right now which was why I was wondering if the nutrafin kit was any good. I'd have more confidence in something that came all ready made!

 

[Primous]

Ahh ok

Sorry I guess I didn't explain myself properly. Whether it's the prepackaged nutrafin system or one you put together yourself using a couple of plastic bottles at home. They both rely on a homemade recipe that you will put together to generate the co2. The packaging is of no importance to you whatsoever. What is important is the recipe you will use to produce the co2.

 

[CezzaXV]

Ah, right. I'd seen the topic in the resource centre about DIY nutrafin stuff but thought that was as a refill.

Is there any merit to the nutrafin one then, or is it a waste of money? Is the nutrafin one easier to regulate the flow on than a homemade one? What would you reccommend for an absolute beginner?

I'd be inclined to try out the one with the coke bottles as I've spent a fortune on this tank so far, but I don't want to get it wrong and end up killing my fish or end up with a tank full of algae or whatever.

 

[ian]

Before you go down the C02 route, there may be no need to...what is the lighting (in wattage) in you tank?

Also, Tiger lotus don't 'need' C02 injected to grow. If you lighting is high this dictates whether you'll need a C02 addition. The plant doesn't really dictate this. Lower light = slower growth, this will also mean you don't have to use C02 and you may be able to get aways with no ferts either.

 

[CezzaXV]

I've got a 15W T8.

Also, I don't mind dosing liquid ferts if it would be of benefit, but I'm trying to keep it as low hassle as possible. A little bit of liquid fert is easier to apply and than bottles of yeast!

 

[ian]

over a 60 litre?

If so then you won't need any C02 addition. The Lotus will grow, it will just grow slower under that light. With your lighting, you'll just have to be a little more patient, to see the growth. You will be able to get away with just adding a little trace fert once or twice a week also. The fish waste should produce enough Nitrate and Phosphate to keep your plants happy.

 

[CezzaXV]

My tank is 60 litres but with the substrate and wood it's probably about 55.

 

[ian]

you would still class it as a 60l though, as you can't really count displacement. The water goes into the substrate as well. You should be fine without C02 and occasional ferts

 

[CezzaXV]

Thanks, that's a great help.

Will probably go with the Tropica Plant Nutrition + if that's a good one?

Also, would riccia be suitable for my tank? Looking for some kind of floor level plant but I don't really like moss. I wish there was some resource somewhere that just had a list of plants that are good for beginners!