Need some plant help!

[Danno]

I just planted 9 bulbs of java fern and 3 bulbs of water lilie that is going to be used as plants for my 20 gallon tank and for my betta 1 1/4 gallon tanks (the java fern - low light) They are in a 2.5 gallon tank that uis just used as a hatchery atm. I was wondering if I needed a heater in that tank. I do have one sitting around somewhere though. I have several kinds of lights placed in my closet from a yard sale ( ) and was saving them for DIY projects like this..anywho..; so basically what kind of lights do I need, and do I need to use a heater?

Also, before I put anything in my 20 gallon tanks I clean them. Is thier a way to sterinize plants?

Thanks

 

[Danno]

Oh and btw, I have a palm filter running and am going to pick up some yeast tomarrow from a homemade CO2 system so I got all that down

 

[f250fisherman]

A friend of mine uses a bleach/water solution to clean his plants. He just rinses very good afterwards. This was the best way for him to get rid of hair algae as well.
From what I have read, it takes 3-4 watts per gal to grow plants well. They will survive on less..but need more to flourish. If you get this much light, add co2 and fertilizer, and the results will amase you. I finally took a chance and did a small investment..more on the flourite than anything else...and every thing I have is growing out each end. For the first time, I have even seen Anacharis branching.

 

[guppygirl]

With Java fern, though, it will grow in any light really, I have mine in a 5 gallon with a small CF screwed in... and it loves it! I've heard they've found it growing on the underside of a cave, it's that low-light tolerant.
The lilies, on the other hand, might need a little more light. What kind of lilies are they? As always, google is your friend!!

 

[Danno]

OK they have been in my 2.5 gallon tank with 15 watts of light. I planted the bulbs about 1 inch under the gravel. Then I was thinking....should I really not be planting them at all? Should they just be "floating" in the water and not buried?