Mail order plant combinations

[houndour]

Hi,

I posted on here a while ago but was waiting to move house. Now I have moved house I can plan my planted tank

I have a 29 gallon (26ish after displacement).

I was wondering about peoples views on mail order plant combinations. I was thinking of getting the batch of 55 from java-plants.com. Are these any good? Or are they are good starting point for a planted tank? Or should I buy indvidual plants and pick particular ones?

I haven't yet tested the water (I used to live in a hard water area with around 8-8.5pH (I think...it's been a while). But I need to test the water in my new area.

Sam

 

[Mr Miagi]

Altough i havnt used them before, they would be a great starter point for a planted tank. In the groups, they contain background, midground, and foreground plants.

Goodluck, maybe sumone else who has bought them could help. Beny

 

[KentBlokey]

Hi Houndour!!

In the past I've had the 25 Plant Tropical collection, from Java. Of course once bunched together you only actually get 5 plants. But still cheap!!

I'm currently waiting delivery of the 55 Plant collection, I'm going to pick out the ones I want and give the rest to a friend.

All the Plants from the first lot I got are growing really well!

The 55 costs £7.95, so even if you get say....5 that grow in your conditions, I'd call that a good deal, as if like me, Plants at your LFS are ridiculously expensive.

I've also got Anubia on volcanic rock that looks excellent.

 

[houndour]

Kentblokey...I'd be interested to hear what you think of your plants when you get them. I can't order mine just yet because we have no power in the living room yet! Although I'm tempted to run an extension cable to the hallway for now

My tank is 30 inches, so I should prob go for the 70 plants. An extra 15 cuttings for £2.

I totally agree that LSH charge a lot for plants Last time I had my tank set up I got plants from there and it cost a fortune. And my LFH shop knew nothing about plants and what would do well in our water conditions.

I spose mail order is a cheap way of getting a variety of plants and seeing what does well.

Should I let my tank mature a bit before ordering the plants? Or does it not really matter? I'm doing a fishless cycle....although I haven't started yet.

Thanks.

 

[KentBlokey]

Of course I'll let you know what I think.....If they ever arrive. Think thing about Java is that the Plants come Direct from Singapore, so delivery isn't the fastest. I orded mine 1 week ago, which isn't too bad I suppose. But when you're impatient like me....

I'd say to let the Tank Cycle before putting all them plants in, As I don't know what affect fertilizers and Co2 will have on test results. I had a few plants whilst mine was cycling, but no fertilizers or Co2. So results weren't affected. Perhaps someone can clarify this for you!

Once you find out what grows well for you, you can always just order the ones that do, at dirt cheap prices.

 

[BigC]

Before you place your order take a look at www.birstall.co.uk. They import Tropica brand plants from Denmark which are far more superior to bunched plant collections. I have just set up a planted aquarium using the Tropica pots (see my tank in it's 1st week in the photo post section). I have ordered plant collections in the past but these danish imports are 100% more healthier and robust. They are more expensive but you will reap the benefits in the long run. If you are planning to set up your tank with the proper substrate, CO2, proper lightimg etc. then dont skimp on the plants. Buy Tropica brand and I can asure you that you wont be dissapointed with the quality.
Hope this helps...

 

[Lateral Line]

Unless you have reason to do so, you are better off taking plants out of the pots they ship in.

By the way, I am quite familiar with a lot of Danish products