What typy of plant?

[Mike&Diana]

I don't really know much about the different plant varieties. I have a 3 G and would like to maybe add a live plant or two. But I want one that won't take over the tank and that will remain rather small. Also, is it completely necessary to have the CO2 for the plant?

Diana

 

[endparenthesis]

Your lighting probably won't be adequate for most plants... and consequently CO2 won't really do any good anyway.

These links will give you a nice list of easy, hardy, low-light plants:

http/www.petfish.net/eplant.htm
http/www.aquamaniacs.net/ProvenPerformer...aticPlants.html

 

[endparenthesis]

Oh, incidentally, on those lists I only have experience with Java Ferns, Java Moss, and Hornwort... but I have some Cryptocoryne wendtii, Anubias nana, and Dwarf Hygrophilia on its way to me in the mail, so maybe I can be more helpful with those soon.

Hornwort didn't do so well in my low-light tank. All its spines fell off while acclimating, and then it grew but not fast at all. Its now in a well lit tank and it's growing SO much faster.

Java Moss does fine but doesn't grow very fast.

Java Fern is widely recognized as THE low-light plant.

 

[cutechic]

As endparenthesis said, Java Fern, Java Moss, Anubias var. nana, and a small var. of crypt. All of these would be fine for a 3 gallon with your lighting (I assume you have incandescent lighting, as most 3 gallons w/ hoods come with 10-15W incandescent lighting).

You won't need CO2 for a tank that size. IMO you won't need fertilizer, either.

 

[modernhamlet]

I have java fern, java moss, hygrophila polysperma, and some floating riccia in my 2.5g betta home. C. wendtii, or similar crypt, would probably flourish as well.

If you want good healthy plants in your small tank, I would suggest replacing the bulb with a compact fluorescent similar to this:

The difference in growth and health with a 13w CF is amazing over a standard 15w incandescent. More stable water temps too.

 

[endparenthesis]

Yeah, I think my 2.5 gallon is better lit than my 5.5 gallon because of one of those.

I can only find 10w though... haven't been able to find any that are brighter than that (within 5000-6500K I mean).

 

[Mike&Diana]

Okay, well thank you for the responses and links! I'm going to go check out the websites now. I'm glad I don't need CO2!