ten gallon (us) planted

[Torrean]

I have a ten with some newts in it and it has live plants but it also has snails. I want to raise live plants that I can transplant into my gf's tank. If I got a ten and set it up how many fish would I need to keep it fertilized? I don't put any fertilizer in the ten with the snails but it has two newts in it. I just want a few guppies or something like that. Would that keep up the waste level high enough to nourish the plants? Any suggestions would be welcome as I am very new at this. The plants look great in the ten with the newts.

 

[George Farmer]

The best way would be just trial and error. Generally liquid fertilisers are unecessary unless there is fast growth usually associated with high lighting levels and CO2 injection. Usually tap water, fish food/waste will provide enough nutrients for the plants. If your plants show signs of nutrient deficiencies (other than light) then you could add ferts. Another option would be to use some of your "newt" tank water when performing water changes, although this may have the slight risk spreading unwanted contamination.