Small Planted Tanks?

[JasonPlus]

I got my first fish a few weeks ago (betta) and he is loving his 5 gallon tank. Currently the decor as all been fake, but I've been thinking more and more about getting some live plants. Would 5 gallons difficult to plant nicely? Will I need to add CO2? I replaced the 25 watt incandecent with a 7 watt (25 watt equivalent) flourecent bulb. If that isn't enough light I could probably buy a small ballast and install it in the current hood.

I may also be getting a 10 gallon tank sometime this week from a cousin of mine, would it be easier to plant that one instead? I don't know the exact measurements of it or the lighting though, I'll have to get back to you on that. Thanks everyone in advance for your help.

Also, if I were just to have plants in the tank for an extended period, would I need to add anything since they aren't getting any nitrites?

 

[blue_ram]

I got my first fish a few weeks ago (betta) and he is loving his 5 gallon tank. Currently the decor as all been fake, but I've been thinking more and more about getting some live plants. Would 5 gallons difficult to plant nicely? Will I need to add CO2?

First you need a strong light to justify CO2. But for 5g, it's too dangerous for the fish. You have no margin for error. Also, 5g is pretty small and depending on the height, most plants may grow emerged. My anubias used to grow submerged in my betta bowl, but now the leaves have grown out of the water.

I replaced the 25 watt incandecent with a 7 watt (25 watt equivalent) flourecent bulb. If that isn't enough light I could probably buy a small ballast and install it in the current hood.

That's how most of us gets started, then next thing you know you just spent $300 on MH. In any case, 7 watt definitely isn't enough. You could also try to supplement the light with morning sun, but it may cause algae out break.

I may also be getting a 10 gallon tank sometime this week from a cousin of mine, would it be easier to plant that one instead? I don't know the exact measurements of it or the lighting though, I'll have to get back to you on that. Thanks everyone in advance for your help.

I don't know about easier, but you definitely have lot more options.

Also, if I were just to have plants in the tank for an extended period, would I need to add anything since they aren't getting any nitrites?

Aren't you going to add any fish?

 

[jimbooo]

i agree that the 5G would be vary hard to do well especially if it was your first planted tank.

10G is ideal for a first planted tank you can quite easily get 2 WPG ish by using 2 tubes. a nutrafin co2 kit will work well on a 10G as well.

if you want to have a play around with the 5G, plants such as Anubias and Java Moss will grow in there under low light. you may even have luck with some crypts.

basically slow growing plants are the only option. these will grow with out co2 addition.

 

[JasonPlus]

Guess like I'm going to plant the 10 gallon when I get it then. I will of course add fish eventually, but being a pretty busy guy and it would be easier for me if I just had the plants to look after in the beginning.

Whats this $300 MH? I just got my car towed last night so I'm pretty sure I won't be tempted to buy one of those anytime soon anyway. lol.

Is 2 WPG the recommended level of lighting for plants?

 

[AndyTaylor]

I think the MH refers to Metal Halide lighting. Pricey but worth it, i believe.

There isn't really an 'ideal' level for lighting for plants. 2 WPG is a good level of lighting for most plants and more than 'low light' plants like Anubias and Java Fern would require. With 2 WPG you may find that you need CO2 and Ferts to be certain of keeping algae at bay. Have a look at the pinned EI thread.
If you want a low maintainance tank with Low light plants you might be better keeping the lighting at 1.5 WPG 'ish.......
I found that most plants would grow for me at 1.5 WPG but i've since upgraded so i don't know how long they would have kept growing for, if you know what i mean?
A lowlight tank with Anubias and java fern can look amazing though...

 

[UniFish]

Actually, five gallons makes a perfect nano planted tank IMO; expenses would be kept low and at the same time allowing greater room for trial n' error given you do not place fauna in the tank.

I would recommend some hardy low light plants such as Anubia and possibly some Dwarf Hairgrass.

To give you some idea, I currently have a 5.5G semi-planted tank and it's doing well with minimal care.

Here is the initial picture, I will post an update picture later on:

 

[JasonPlus]

I really like tanks that are fully carpeted with plants. I believe it was glossostigma that I saw in the pictures forum. If this would be too difficult for a beginner is there a simliar type plant that will give the same effect? I will see if I can get the 10 gallon tank tonight and if it had incandecent lighting I'll check into buying a ballast and bulbs.

 

[UniFish]

Glossostigma would not be an ideal choice as a low light foreground plant. However, I can recommend you giving Hemianthus Callitrichoides or Mini Taiwan Moss a try.