New Tank

[Naigamii]

I just set up a new tank and got two guppies a few days ago but I'm interested in trying some live plants but I have a few questions.

Can I plant things with my fish still in the tank?
How long should I wait before planting?
What plants are good for Guppies?
What plants are easy for beginers?
Are live plants better/worse for fish?

Also I have an undergravel filter and I'm not sure if that will affect the plants. Is there anything else I need to know before I venture into underwater gardening?

Thanks~<3

 

[Jallen]

Can I plant things with my fish still in the tank? Yes.
How long should I wait before planting? Don't need to wait.
What plants are good for Guppies? Any - Java moss is great if you are breeding them.
What plants are easy for beginers? Cryptocorynes, Anubias, vallisneria spiralis, java fern, java moss, cabomba.
Are live plants better/worse for fish? Not much difference but slightly better (plus they look MUCH better).

"Also I have an undergravel filter and I'm not sure if that will affect the plants. Is there anything else I need to know before I venture into underwater gardening?"
UGF + gravel plants is not going to work.

However you can get Anubias and Java fern which will tie to bits of wood or rock with cotton. Over time they will grab onto it and you can cut the cotton loose. These plants are both extremely tough. You won't be able to get any plants which go in the gravel with a UGF unfortunately.
You could also get java moss which you tie to a rock or wood and it will cover it in a fluffy moss, this plant is also extremely tough and grows fast.

 

[bitteraspects]

looks like jallen got all the bases covered for the most part.

one point id like to correct is that live plants are ABSOLUTELY better. they help to remove excess nitrates.

also, you should look into getting rid of the UGF and getting a good filter for your tank. UGF are outdated, and not very effective in comparison to the HOB filters and canisters of today. they trap tons of muck and detrius under your gravel, and its just plain gross. lolnot to mention the excess risk of an ammonia spike in the case of a faulty air pump.
and as mentioned, plants and UGF dont go well together.

 

[Naigamii]

would I need a heater in my tank to grow plants and also I need a special light don't I? How many plants are too much? like, for a five gallon tank, at what point am I crowding my fish with plants?

 

[Jallen]

would I need a heater in my tank to grow plants

It depends which plants. Some plants will live fine at room temperature, others need tropical temperatures to do well. When considering buying a plant, do research and find out about its care and see if your tank conditions suit it.

I need a special light don't I?

Your normal light should be fine for many plants, however some require brighter lighting and CO2 injection. If you look at your light and tell us how many watts total it is we can tell you if it's suitable for lower light plants. Again, research the plant you think about buying and check if it's compatible with your lighting.

How many plants are too much?

If you absolutely cram half the tank with plants, that is a large amount of plants. In general you can't add too many plants, just give your fish a good amount of swimming space.

Check the stickies on the top of the plants and planted tanks for general information.