Rekord 70

[nathan01]

I just re- vamped my whole tank, got some plants today, they look very healthy, i just hope they will last, suggestions on how to keep them healthy is appreciated

Enjoy (if i can get them working)

Tank before plants

Tank with plants

Roseafolia

Clown Loach

What do you think, what do you like or dis like?

 

[nathan01]

anyone?

 

[Matty P]

Like the black gravel, but the clown loach defo needs rehomed

 

[angelmouse]

the plants make it look much better, will be v.nice when they fill out abit
Angel

 

[Underwurlde]

IF I were you, I seriously consider getting some more plants in there, espcially so called 'starter plants' / 'algae busters'.

Andy

 

[nathan01]

IF I were you, I seriously consider getting some more plants in there, espcially so called 'starter plants' / 'algae busters'.

Andy

What do you mean, like the one in the front right hand side corner?I saw a few of them in this tank at LFS and the were all small leaves and about 2" high

 

[Underwurlde]

A ‘sterile’ tank i.e. one that is newly set-up or has had a major overhaul (substrate change, re-planting, heavily medicated etc.) will be particularly susceptible to algae as it lacks the necessary biological / chemical balance required to fend off any algae. This is why it is essential to plant heavily with fast growing plants as these quickly establish this necessary biochemical equilibrium. Once the tank has established, say after 2 or 3 months or so, then you can swap your fast growers for the plants you want (although it will still be necessary to keep some of these plants in).

To this end, plant heavily from the start. Cover at least 50% of the substrate with fast-growers.

Examples of Algae-Busting Plants
Hygrophila species (e.g. Hygrophila polysperma)
Ludwigia species
Rotala species
Egeria species (e.g. Egeria densa).
Brazilian Water Ivy
Small Ambulia
Mexican Oak Leaf
Water Sprite
Cambomba Caroliana
Hornwort

Andy

 

[nathan01]

I have has plants in it before, and the filter are a year old

 

[Underwurlde]

Great! OK then, best of luck with your new setup then!

Andy

 

[nathan01]

Any tips on how to keep my plants in top condition?

 

[Underwurlde]

I'll answer that with another question:
What do you expect from keeping plants? What do you want to achieve?

Andy

(OK 2 questions)

 

[nathan01]

I'll answer that with another question:
What do you expect from keeping plants? What do you want to achieve?

Andy

(OK 2 questions)

I expect them to last more that 2 months to not go brown, and i want to acheive growing them and making my tank look planted.

 

[Underwurlde]

lol

OK.

option 1)
A lot of $$$ to spend, a lot of time on your hands: result explosive, rampant growth. Grow any damn plant you want.
Research 'EI' (Estimative Index) method.
http/www.barrreport.com/estimative-index...-test-kits.html

option 2)
Not so much $$$ to spend, middle amount of time on your hands: result: Good growth. Grow a huge good selection of plants.
Research this: http/www.barrreport.com/articles/433-non-co2-methods.html

option 3)
No funds, no time (i.e. your married (skint) and married (lazy) like me ): result: Steady slow growth of a limited number of plants
Research 'El Natural' methods: Read Diana Walstad's book / Google.

Andy

 

[Matty P]

Plant fertilizers and/or root tabs...

 

[paul_219]

Nice tank. Yeah but some fish needs some rehome.