I Want To Have A Planted Tank.

[Monte20]

I have been reading all morning. And ive seen a lot about DIY co2. i want a planted tank so bad, but im afraid ill screw it up. any tips on plant types for a beginner? somthing pretty but hardy. this tank already has fish, but im tired of plastic plants when the real thing looks so much better. and i need to remove the carbon from my filtration right? im so lost. even with the stickies...

 

[Themuleous]

Get some anubias, java fern or java moss, they are the classic easy plants and will grow in almost any tank (yes thats right FKNM (do you mind this abbreviation?) and Lllj - ANY tank )

If you post your tank stats we maybe able to help more specifically

I would also add that every tank is different, it may be a case of getting a load of plants (get cheap ones as these tend to be the easy to keep ones and are so mass produced, hence the low price) and give them a go. If they grow get more of the same

Sam

 

[Monte20]

for a cycled 55 gallon. kept at 80 F. my sig has the stock, minus the danios.

 

[lljdma06]

Get some anubias, java fern or java moss, they are the classic easy plants and will grow in almost any tank (yes thats right FKNM (do you mind this abbreviation?) and Lllj - ANY tank )

Hey Samo! I only have a problem with Java moss. My anubias are perfectly alright and have been the objects of desire of many a forum member. I have actually never tried growing Java fern. Lose an L and you've got the right abreviation.

Now to address the question at hand. Do you know your pH and perhaps gH Monte? That would help too. In addition, what's your substrate and your lighting? It takes a while to understand the pinned articles. Sam had to read the EI article at least 30 times before he got it (I only had to read it once). Just keep going at it. If Sam can keep a planted tank anybody can, and I mean anybody.

 

[atmmachine816]

I find crypts are great for newbies(me), they grow slow but will grow.

 

[Monte20]

my ph is 7.0 gh=unknown. gravel substrate. 2 15" 15w flourescent bulbs (not near enough). already been pricing new bulbs. tanks is 47" x 20" x 12". getting excited looking at all the new stuff i have to get. just not sure where to start.

 

[Monte20]

gH is 150 ppm. also been reading that the plants can drop O2 at night. if i have plenty of airation (i have tons that shouldnt be a problem right? also the gravel i have is approx 2" deep. hmmm.. if i end up carpeting my tank with live plants, how do i vacuum? lol. im nothing but questions. reminds me of how excited i was when i first set up my tank. woot!

 

[Monte20]

my neighbor just bought me some Aponogeton Plants. she likes to spend money on friends (dont ask). i havent added them yet, as i wanted to ask about them here. anyone know anything about these plants?

 

[Monte20]

im reading that corys love plants, and it makes it difficult to grow new plants with corys already in the tank. am i SOL?

 

[RYO]

Cory's wont harm your plants, all my tanks have them.
With a 12inch wide tank your looking at a max of 3 t8 tubes sizes and wattage bellow
9in- 6w
12in- 8w
15in. 14w
18in. 15w
24in. 18w
30in. 25w
36in. 30w
42in. 38w
48in. 36w
60in. 58w
Plants will oxygenate the tank for you , if you want to run co2 keep the surface agitation to a minimum.
As to vacuming lol i dont. helps feed the plants.

 

[lljdma06]

Do you want to upgrade you lighting completely, or just get more bulbs? Are you married to T8s or would you like to explore other options, including T5s and Metal hallides. To get 2WPG, you'll need a total of 110 watts. T8s can get bulky, especially if your tank is only 12 inches wide. Take a looksy at Big Al's online aquarium supply and look at the light fixtures. You can get some really nice fixtures for less than $200 and an adaquate one for only a little more than $100 and it'll be much less bulky.

http/www.bigalsonline.com/?splash_done=1

Sorry, if I'm making a booboo by posting a link, but I've seen people link to BigAl's before. BigAl's also has a section for planted tank equipment, including CO2 systems, both DIY and pressurized and fertilizers. Perhaps the prices are not the best, but you can get an idea of what you want and then shop around. If find it helps to have everything right infront of me so I can read about the products.

Warmest,

llj

 

[Monte20]

thanks. lots of good info.

 

[Monte20]

[/quote]

Nice neighbor you have there. Any chance of her relocating to Orange County?
[/quote]


heck no. her and i staying right here in SAN DIEGO!