Question On Substrate

[navvet8992]

i now have a 55 galon community fish tank with gravel substrate and fake plants. I was thinking of adding real plants but dont have a clue how to do it. Can i use the gravel i have? How do you plant the roots (just cover them with the gravel)? I just finished cycling the tank and have everything set up now so dont want to change the gravel. Will the plants grow like this? I know these are probably stupid questions but i have never had real plants before and i have read it makes for a healthier tank. Any help on this is much appreciated. Thanks

 

[aaronnorth]

inert gravel is fine, plant it so the roots are covered (like a garden plant) - some easy plants:

elodea densa
hygrophillia polysprema
moss balls


anubias
bolbitis
java fern

these need to be tied onto a rock or some wood with fishing line, or cotton