Trying Real Plants

[lee420]

I got three plants for my south american cichlid tank today but ive never had plants before. They came in little basket thingys. Can i leave them in the baskets? And do i have to do anything for them besides just let them be? I got lights set for 10 hrs on the tank

 

[Blondielovesfish]

I'm pretty sure with that lighting you're going to end up with algae problems!
You should probably take them out of the baskets because it will be restricting their roots so they'll probably be healthier without it.
You could dose ferts but it would depend on the plants to whether or not you would need too.

 

[mike455555]

do you have the names of these plants? 10 hours isent that much light planted tanks recommend 8-12 hours, althought it might be an idea to split it into 2 4 hours sessions with a 4 hour gap inbetween to keep algae down 

 

[lee420]

I already had algae problems because most of my tanks are by windows and cant go anywhere else so i use algaecide now so algae shouuldnt be an issue. As for types of plants they are im not sure except for the bamboo

 

[Noahsfish]

i have one of mine by a window with 3 watts per gallon 12 hours a day.  never had any algae problems, i grow bbts, hair grass, and glosso.  Yes, when you buy plants and they're in the little "pots" they're surrounded by wool which helps keep the roots from becoming damaged.  however, this shortens the plants lifespan and growth.  Do remove them from the pots and carefully take the wool apart...can you post pictures of the plants?  BTW bamboo won't help your water keep clean or anything since it's not fully aquatic.