Plants For Me

[Sheridanp]

Ok, here are the stats I guess:

29 Gallon
Fish in sig
24 degrees celsius
1.5-2 inches of sand

Whatever other information is needed just ask.

My LFS does not have real plants. I want to order off the internet. What is a good, trusted site to? Also, what are some reccomended plants for a beginner?

 

[Discomafia]

How many watts of lighting do you have first of all? That will determine what kind of plants you can keep. If you just have the regular lighting system that came with your tank (1 tube), you can only get plants that demand less light.

I suggest you read the pinned threads on lighting, Carbon Dioxide, algae and EI before you dive into planted tanks. It'll save you a lot of time, money and effort. It'll also save you the trouble of posting new threads, when the answers can be easily found in the pinned threads.

HTH.

 

[Sheridanp]

Sorry. My tank light is 20 watts.

 

[Discomafia]

No problem at all... It just takes longer for people to reply to your question as best as possible, as you haven't provided sufficent info on your setup...

You have 1 wpg (watts per gallon), and that is considered low lighting... I'm afraid you'll be really limited in terms of plant choice. Do you have reflectors for your bulbs?

Have you read this thread yet? It's about lighting...

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=96754

This link is a plant guide that sorts the plants by categories (lighting requirements, difficulty, aquascape placement, region...) and I've found it very useful in my search for plants suitable for my tank.

http/www.plantgeek.net/plantguide.php

HTH.

 

[lljdma06]

Actually, you have less than 1 WPG, so your plant choice is really limited. Is you filter separate from your hood? I mean do you have one of those all-inclusive hoods like those featured in the Eclipse systems? There are a lot of people in this forum that have upgraded these hoods to have more lighting. If you want more of a plant selection you will have to upgrade your lighting.

That being said, where are you? If you are in the UK, I've heard good things about Greenline is it, or Java plants? If you're in the US, I highly recommend Aquariumplants.com.

I would continue to read the pinned topics recommended to you by previous members.

 

[Sheridanp]

I live in Canada. I printed off all the pinned topics, as it's easier to concentrate off the computer. I will get a new light. How many watts light is good?

Also, can anyone go over these steps. There in no order, but I don't want to miss anything when setting up plants.

-Take out fish and all.
-Add plants
-Start C02 pump
-Test Water

What else is really important? This is just for starting the plants.

 

[Discomafia]

Actually, you have less than 1 WPG...

Oops... Thought I read 20 gallons.

What plants are you planning on getting? Have you taken a look at the plantgeek link I posted? Also, why take out all the fish while planting? I never do that, but hey, that is just me...

And adding CO2 won't benefit your plants much, as you'll only see a noticable difference with 2wpg. Basically, the cutoff point in terms of wpg, before it is essential that you use CO2, is 2wpg.

Light is the first limiting factor to growth, then CO2, followed by nutrients... Also, what does CO2 pump mean? I've never heard of that before...Have you thought of increasing your light?

How serious are you about the planted tank hobby? That'll determine how much time and money you're willing to put into your tank. No use getting pressurized CO2 and some T5 lights if you're not willing to trim your plants, dose ferts or do a water change, on a weekly basis.

HTH.

 

[Sheridanp]

Well, it won't be to summer. I want to be well prepared and have more money. I do want to have a planted tank alot.

I am not sure about the plants, I will look into that when time comes closer, or before I buy anything actually. I want to get a new light. And, it's just easier to plant I find when the fish are gone.

So, do I use CO2 or not? I meant by the pump like the DIY setups to put the CO2 into the tank.

I am willing to put my time into this. I am very seriousa about fishkeeping.

 

[Discomafia]

Pumps in DIY CO2? Do you mean reactor, to diffuse the CO2?

Do as much research as you can before you get into the hobby, as since it is already an expensive one, it will only burn a bigger hole in your wallet if you're not sure what you're doing.

You're very serious about fishkeeping, but what about planted tanks? If you want a lush planted tank, CO2 is essential!

 

[Sheridanp]

Well, I'm thinking now after summer. I'll be loaded up with the money. I want to be really prepared.

 

[jpedersen024]

fellow canuck butting in to suggest a visit to a Big Al's Aquarium Warehouse store... They usually have a great selection, and are really well priced for pretty much everything. I haven't found a good Canadian supplier yet, and american shipping rates don't make it worth it to cross the border. JMO.

I'm guessing from your id that you're near/ involved with Sheridan College? There are lots of Big Al's in the Toronto/ Hamilton/ Scarborough areas. Take a look on line for closest location.

 

[Sheridanp]

Haha, nope, not even close. Saskatchewan. There are 15 stores or so in Regina so I must take a look there. But, I never go there. It's 2 and a half hoors away.

Anyway, thanks guys. If I have anymore questions closer to the time, and that don't involve the pinned articles, I'll ask.

Oh, wait. How many watts of lighhting would be a good choice?

 

[Sheridanp]

^Can anyone answer that?

 

[jpedersen024]

Oh well! Al's is an 1.5 hour drive for me too, but well worth it since the lfss are limited and crappy. I cannot beat the selection and prices anywhere else, so I really stock up when I make the trip. Kid in a candy store!!

General rule for decent plants is 2 watts/ gallon, you'd be looking at 60 watts. I wouldn't go less than that if you're spending to upgrade anyways.

I just bought a new light for my big tank. A double compact fluorescent. Holds 2 x 55 watts. Cheapest I found was online. Ebay actually. Bulbs even came with it, and didn't break during shipping. The better places will guarantee against breakage anyways.

Good luck, and keep us posted.