Newbie Questions

[RobotDeathSquad]

Hello All,
I just upgraded from a nasty old 10gal to a 28Gal Bowed Front Marineland aquarium (24in wide).

I'd only have 2 plants right now, a very sickly looking water wisteria and a water onion, but I'd like to get quite a few more plants.

I only have a small gravel floor, no sand or special substrate.

I have already read up some, but obviously I'm new to the plant game.

I don't want to do the EI method (I just don't have that kind of time), and I'd rather use a commerical fert over a DIY method, so I don't mind recommendations there.

I do plan on adding a Nurtifin CO-2 system.

My Fish are: 4 platys, 1 Gourami, 4 guppys and 1 catfish (not sure what kind approx 3-4in long).

Mostly my goals with my plants are to use them to cover up the background and equipment and to give the fish a nice environment.

So, my questions are:

1. Is this a decent light:
Nova Extreme T5HO X2 - 10,000K - Freshwater Light System : 24" 2x24W (1127)
http/www.aquaticmountain.com/product/lig...x24w-1127-.html

That would give me 1.7 w/g which seems to be not too bad, especially since I'm not going all Dutch and I don't really want super crazy growth, just the ability to grow some cool plants.

If anyone has a better suggestion, I'd love to hear it. I can't seem to find much in the way of 50watt-70watt systems in the 24" range.


2. Are "Moonlights" necessary in a fresh water system?


3. Do I need to worry about any of the plants being toxic to the fish?


Thanks in advance for any input anyone can give me!

 

[RobotDeathSquad]

Also, I have this big fake tree root currently, and I'd like to put a plant or two that would grow like vines around it.

Does anyone have a suggestion for what type of plant would do that?

 

[Themuleous]

1. Is this a decent light:
Nova Extreme T5HO X2 - 10,000K - Freshwater Light System : 24" 2x24W (1127)
http/www.aquaticmountain.com/product/lig...x24w-1127-.html

That would give me 1.7 w/g which seems to be not too bad, especially since I'm not going all Dutch and I don't really want super crazy growth, just the ability to grow some cool plants.

If anyone has a better suggestion, I'd love to hear it. I can't seem to find much in the way of 50watt-70watt systems in the 24" range.

It seems ok but I would want to change the tubes for more plant friendly ones, such as the arcaida plant pro or the Giesemann midday

2. Are "Moonlights" necessary in a fresh water system?

In a word no, they just let you watch the tank, darkness is as important for plants as light, if not more so.

3. Do I need to worry about any of the plants being toxic to the fish?

Nope

There is a list of easy plants by Llj, link in my sig as for plants to attach to the root, java fern and anubias would work.

Sam