Having trouble with plants

[dixaisy930]

I've never really had much luck with plants...I'd buy some I thought needed the right light in my tank, but after a month or so, most of them would be dead.

My first question is, what's considered light, moderate, and bright light? Currently my tank is about 2-3 feet away from a large living room window that's on the south side of the house. It doesn't get alot of direct light, maybe a few hours. There's also a regular lamp about 1 foot away from the tank, and it gets between 5-6 hours of light from that.

The guy at a lps also said that the plants have to have plant food...I just figured he was trying to sell me more stuff, so I passed on it for the time being. Do I really need plant food to keep my plants longer than a month?

I really don't know much about aquatic plants, eventhough I've had aquarium for years. ) Much guidance need.

Help

P.S. It's a 60 gallon, freshwater tank.

 

[konrad05]

Yes, "plant food" or fertilizer is necessary. Plants need lots of additional nutrients that can't be found in your tap water. Anyways, here are some links regarding starting new tank

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=22604

Good luck

 

[George Farmer]

Hi dixaisy,

Where to start?!!

One definite is that you need some light directly above your tank i.e. at least one flourescent tube attched to your canopy if you wish plants to show growth. Light can be a complicated subject but you'll need at least 1 Watt per gallon, so you'll need 60 Watts, this can be acheived with 2 x 36" 30W tubes for your 60 gallon. This light level will grow some of the hardier, easier plants, ideal for the beginner. A reflector will improve the light too. 1 Watt per gallon is considered low light, 2 WPG medium and 3 to 4 WPG high.

Substrate can be important too as well as the type of filtration you're using.

Plant food (fertiliser) is more of a hinderence than help unless you are showing good signs of growth, you're likely to grow algae more than plants. Remember that fish poo is an excellent fertiliser and also tap water!!

Hope this helps, PM me if you want a more detailed answer.