My First Planted Tank!

[bUcky]

Well a 2 weeks ago i started cycling my planted tank. ive been very eager to start planting. ive also been reading up about planted tanks for the last few days, cause im one of those people who do things right the first time. i just got a few questions i hope someone could answer so i can get this tank up and running.

1st i would like to know what do you guys think of my lighting. its temporary but i would rather not try to spend alot on lights. its 2 compact flouros at 15 watts per. thats 3 wpg. i consider myself knowledgable about plant lighting, hydroponics. I figured these light would be fine. Btw i made the hood myself.

2nd is when can i start planting. its 2 weeks into cycle can i start tomorow? im going to go shopping tomorow so i can stop by my lfs where the have many plants for aqua? or at least should i add the drift wood tomorow?

3rd is substrate. I have med sized pebbles in there now. i really like the look. do i need to mix in a smaller gravel or the special plant substrate? recomendations?

thanks alot ive included a pic.

 

[Incitic]

Your lighting will be fine. Depending on what plants you wanna grow, most plants will grow in your current lighting, but you may want to shadow your slower growing plants as these are algae magnets with high light.

Some plants will actually help with the cycling. Im not too sure but i dont see why you couldnt start planting tomorrow. Driftwood will be fine. Just make sure to give it a good wash.

Depending on what plants you want your current substrate will be fine. If you wish to add plants that are demanding or are heavy root feeders (crypts, swords) then you may want to look into laterite. For a 10g it shouldnt be too expensive.

If you want more info, just search the forum or check the pinned topics. HTH

 

[bUcky]

great im up tomorow to buy plants awsome.

1 more question, do i have to treat clean plants befor i introduce them?
i know u have to clan plastic plants so why not live plants. and how?

and how many hours of light per day? 12/12? 18/6?

and do i need a fertilizer?

 

[George Farmer]

Your lighting will be ok for most hardy and easy stem plants as well as the classic lower light selection i.e. Java fern, moss, Anubias, Crypts etc. Have you fitted reflectors?

You can plant straight away. Plant heavily with fast growers from the outset to help prevent the inevitable algae bloom that occurs in most new tanks. See the pinned algae article for more info.

You need to reconsider your substrate IMO. Most plants will have difficulty with their root growth with such a large, heavy grain size. I'd consider 6mm average gravel a maximimum size.

You don't have to clean plants before introducing to your new tank but some do to prevent snails. Google "aquarium plant snail bleach dip" or similar if you're interested.

10 hours lighting will be fine.

 

[bUcky]

well i sealed some mylar to the inside of the reflector. thats 90% reflective.

i bought 10 plants including grasses, java ferns, ands some others, and a banana plant.

i bought more substrate. its smaller grains and im just going to mix it in.

bleach dip huh? let me go check that out.

thanks ill post a pic once i get it planted

 

[bUcky]

heres a pic



what do you think?

im still waiting for some kind of wood. and i looked at about 5 stores today but i cant find any java moss.
actually most people ive asked didnt even know what it is. anyone know where to buy it in tampa florida?
i really like the look of java moss. but cant find it.

 

[bUcky]

what about now all im waiting for is my java moss(cover substate) and im still trying to find dwarf riccia(cover wood). got some small fish in there abd 2 black mystry snails. also some ghost shrimp and bamboo shrimp. adding co2 tonight!



also how long will it take for the roots to grow and settle the plants down?