Plants For A Beginners Tank

[bluegravel]

I might be looking to start a small planted tank out of my new 14 gallon tank. Besides java moss, what are some good plants for beginners? I bought a cheap gravel substrate from walmart, but can I use that with the plants? And my lighting for now is a cheap 2 I think 10 watt spiral flor. lights. I also bought a small piece of malaysian driftwood. I might be looking to add 8-10 white clouds in the tank. What can I do to keep it as cheap as possible and easy as possible?

 

[Royster]

I asked the same question last week and was told anubias java fern java moss

 

[ATK!!!]

Some others include Vallis, Egeria/Elodea Densa, moss balls and Cabomba

 

[fluttermoth]

Most cryptocorynes are easy.

 

[r.w.girard]

I might be looking to start a small planted tank out of my new 14 gallon tank. Besides java moss, what are some good plants for beginners? I bought a cheap gravel substrate from walmart, but can I use that with the plants? And my lighting for now is a cheap 2 I think 10 watt spiral flor. lights. I also bought a small piece of malaysian driftwood. I might be looking to add 8-10 white clouds in the tank. What can I do to keep it as cheap as possible and easy as possible?

I am a big fan of Cryptocoryne wendtii var. red. I think it looks beautiful once it develops into a large enough bush. Just watch out for "cryptocoryne disease" or, "crypt melt/wilt," when the leaves literally disintegrate in the tank. It is caused by environmental changes but once the plant sets up it should stop. Also, I have read that the entire plant can "melt" but that it will grow back, no problem. In short, they are lovely, easy, and hardy. I only grow red but other species might melt less.

Otherwise, check out the planted resource page [PARC]. There is a whole list of "Common aquarium plants," which includes information about their ease of growth. There is lots of information to be found there. As well as information for beginning in the planted hobby.

-Robin