Whats Most Important When It Comes To Plants

[Fishyjake]

Well I have a 55 gallon tank with fake plants and I'm wondering what I need to get or do to make it suitable for plants. It has old lights that I doubt are anything special and Pea gravelmixed with fine stones. What do I need to get some real plants going?

 

[mdwheeler]

Well I have a 55 gallon tank with fake plants and I'm wondering what I need to get or do to make it suitable for plants. It has old lights that I doubt are anything special and Pea gravelmixed with fine stones. What do I need to get some real plants going?

I'm fairly new to plants but I know for sure you need specific lighting and a system for co2.

Your gravel will probably be fine. The plants will do better though if you get a substrate made for plants (basically aquarium dirt).

You can't use regular incandescent lighting for plants: you need fluorescent lighting made specifically for plants. This won't be a very cheap investment!

As for co2 you won't have to buy some expense system. I use the cheap method: Take a two liter, drill a hole in the lid and place airline tubing in it (make sure to seal w/ silicone or super glue). You'll need to make a sort of 'batch' or 'co2 factory' which is also easy. 2 cups sugar, warm water (enough to dissolve sugar), and a package of yeast (but don't stir that in; simply pour on top of mixture). A lot of people make two or more 2 liter bottles and attach them to one main airline. You might need a co2 diffuser but most people attach the tube to a powerhead to diffuse the co2.

If you want you can buy a co2 system. They use compressed co2 and valves and bubble counters and yatta yatta yatta (don't know how those things work!)

Vwa-la, ur set for plants.

Also you wont need a bubbler or any kind of air for your tank; the plants will create oxygen for your fish, plus your filter will probably add enough air to the water.

 

[catfish101]

Actually you really don't need anything special. For some plants like Java fern, Vallisneria, anubius, crypts and java moss, that have very few needs you can probably get away with what you have. How ever if you want more attractive and lush looking plants the things stated above would be a wise investment. For substrate, I use flourite and find it very effective. For heavy root feeders likes swords this is a must. Also high output T5 lighting will be very helpful in growth and I think it looks better. If you get the HO T5 lights you are going to want to get Co2 as this will help photosythesis and will lower your chances of having algae. These things can be very expensive so definitely do your research. I hope this helps.

 

[Fishyjake]

thanks Im thinking about the diy co2 and I already have a 20 gallon tank with fluorite in it so I could add that to my 55 in certain areas. When it comes to Lighting are my fixtures going to be ok? Will they hold the new bulbs or do I need a new fixture?

 

[catfish101]

You are probably going to need a new fixture if you get new lights that are worth it.