Planting Ideas For A Newbie With A New Tank.

[Too Fast]

I have just upgraded my 135l tank to a 180l tank. I have found that with my old tank I put in a selection of plants bought from my lfs (appologies I don't have a clue what any of them are) and they grew quite nicely. I have transfered them to my new tank using exactly the same substrate (about 1.5" of JBL aquabasis plus with 1.5" of light coloured gravel on top). I have found that the lighting set up in my new tank is brighter and with me looking at putting in some more fish that would prefer a more subdued lighting I was looking at using plants to create this effect. I have tried reading up on surface plants however I feel quite daunted by most of what I've read. As well as that my lfs doesn't really stock surface plants. I was looking at larger plants for the back of the tank (theory is that they will reach the surface and bend over creating cover) I don't want to go down the CO2 route and have never used any additional fertiliser to what I put in on 1st planting. I am looking for something really simple and effective but that would fit in with what I already have.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Too Fast]

anyone

 

[RadaR]

So how many Watts of light is over the tank?
How much light you have dictates whether you need carbon addition or regular nutrient dosing.

 

[Too Fast]

2 x 22” 24W GLO fluorescent lamps that came with the tank. I leave them on 8 hours a day.

 

[stevereade]

Well you have quite low light so swords, crypts, anything not demanding really, start a new thread for low tech plants and people will suggest loads more.

There's a list of low light plants on this thread.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/339745-want-to-have-a-planted-tank-but-really-confussed/

 

[ian]

theres a non aquatic plant in there, its the mondo grass on the far left at the back. I'd take that out before it rots and causes Ammonia spikes.

 

[RadaR]

Well you have quite low light so swords, crypts, anything not demanding really, start a new thread for low tech plants and people will suggest loads more.

There's a list of low light plants on this thread.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/339745-want-to-have-a-planted-tank-but-really-confussed/

Yep. Everything I said in that thread can be applied to your tank.

 

[Too Fast]

theres a non aquatic plant in there, its the mondo grass on the far left at the back. I'd take that out before it rots and causes Ammonia spikes.

Thanks for that!

I really like that and the lfs have loads for sale. It was a new addition when I upgraded 2 weeks ago so will get rid!

Well you have quite low light so swords, crypts, anything not demanding really, start a new thread for low tech plants and people will suggest loads more.

There's a list of low light plants on this thread.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/339745-want-to-have-a-planted-tank-but-really-confussed/

Yep. Everything I said in that thread can be applied to your tank.

Thanks i'll have a look.