Starting a planted tank

[BettasRFriends]

I just got a used tank (tall) about 5 gallons from a friend of mine (no lighting or filter but I got spares) and i want to turn it into a planted tank. The plants I have in mind are: amazon sword, java moss (that i have), java fern. Any suggestions? I have a 23 watt flourescent that i plan to use as the lighting and a small corner filter.

 

[Mr Miagi]

Sounds good. What substrate do you have? Or getting?

 

[BettasRFriends]

I'm thinking gravel but can java moss grow well in sand too? By the way, do I need C02 or should i just put a small fish in there? The 23 watt flourescent doesn't have the #,### k (kevlin or something) is that still okay?

 

[nitro]

I wouldnt put amazon sword in there, it will grow way too big too quickly.

 

[BettasRFriends]

No amazon sword...hmmm is there any other suggestions? Java moss wont cling to sand right?

 

[KentBlokey]

I agree about the Amazon Sword. But what about Echinodorus magdalenensis. It's like a Dwarf Amazon Sword. Can't remember the common mane though.

 

[nitro]

Java moss wont cling to sand right

I dont think it would cling very well.


How about attaching it to a rock but once it grows your going to have the problem of its roots/rhmzone venturing into the sand?

 

[daza]

Java moss wont cling to sand right?

Java Moss doesn't go in the substrate anyway. Attach it to a rock or driftwood and it will grow over that over time.

 

[BettasRFriends]

Would i need a C02 for the tank or should i put 1 or two fish in it? I was thinking about the diy c02 with the coke bottle (thinking of the bigger 2 liter bottles).

 

[3fsh]

My favorite "small tank" plants:

Cryptocoryne Wendtii -- http/www.tropica.dk/productcard_1.asp?id=109

Anubias Nana -- http/www.tropica.dk/productcard_1.asp?id=101

and my absolute favorite... nice and red and veeeery easy to grow:

Tiger Lily (Nymphaea Lotus) -- http/www.plantgeek.net/plant-104.htm

I think that Co2 wouldn't be absolutely necessary in a tank that small if you had a couple of fish. I also wouldn't suggest java moss because it absolutely TAKES OVER the tank and you can never get rid of it. Hope that helps!

BTW- If you do decide to try Co2... do a DIY. I was suckered into buying the cannister. Big waste of money.

 

[BettasRFriends]

Thanks so much! Yeah, I'm thinking of DIY but im afraid of those exploding bottles eek. This weekend (today is thursday, got track meet too =]) i'll clean the tank and get it all ready for plants and co2.

 

[Yenko]

Java Moss doesn't need to stick to anything; I just let a bunch sit on the bottom like a tumbleweed in my 10 gallon planted. Because it and the other plants have filled out, it no longer has the ability to move.