Why Is My Tank Crap?

[Bloo]

Big plants should be at the back - not the front.
Cramming plants together is generally not a good idea. They need growing space.
A tank with only tall plants would not looked balanced (if that's what he's trying to create). It really needs a variety of lengths in general.

But driftwood is a nice idea perhaps covered with some Java Moss/

 

[NoRp]

some times having an helivy planted tank is good for fry

 

[bennett]

new plants ordered from greenline

heater ordered (cheers bloozoo2)

just gotta find some lighting starter that won't break the bank!

 

[SamUK]

ive finally figured out why most people are scared of real plants!!!

its you guys on here!!

real plants arent hard to keep and dont NEED any special requirements at all.

alls ive even done is shove them in the gravel, have my light on for 12 hours a day and thats it.

plants do fine.



yea you can buy fertilisers and CO2 things but i dont think there neccesary.

 

[Bloo]

new plants ordered from greenline

heater ordered (cheers bloozoo2)

just gotta find some lighting starter that won't break the bank!

Have fun with your new goodies
I've bought some light starters off eBay (I've paid around £5-£10 depending on the unit) - just make sure that you actually get the correct wattage.

 

[bennett]

haha i'm not that dim damn you!

it's a hagen double starter (20w so it'll fit the 24" one i have) so i won't even have to break my hood. just replace the single strip holder with the double! (god i know it's not going to be that simple) edit:brainwave! drill holes in back on hood, keep existing stripping and have 60w in my 24g. (god i'm simple at times)



how on earth can places justify £4 for a plant when greenline are so reasonable?

ive finally figured out why most people are scared of real plants!!!

its you guys on here!!

real plants arent hard to keep and dont NEED any special requirements at all.

alls ive even done is shove them in the gravel, have my light on for 12 hours a day and thats it.

plants do fine.



yea you can buy fertilisers and CO2 things but i dont think there neccesary.

it depends what level of planting you want and how sustainable it is though sam. that's what i've gleamed from here.

as far as i'm concerned my plants ain't doing toooo well, so i'm not inclined to buy loads more, therefore investing a bit more in more suitable gizmos seems completely worthwhile

 

[Bloo]

haha i'm not that dim damn you!

it's a hagen double starter (20w so it'll fit the 24" one i have) so i won't even have to break my hood. just replace the single strip holder with the double! (god i know it's not going to be that simple) edit:brainwave! drill holes in back on hood, keep existing stripping and have 60w in my 24g. (god i'm simple at times)



how on earth can places justify £4 for a plant when greenline are so reasonable?

You'd be surprised how many people think it's totally ok to use the wrong sized starter unit - which (even though the light appears to work just fine) is waiting for an electrical disaster to happen. Really not worth it....

Sounds like a great idea adding your extra lights. You'll have 3wpg and will be able to grow (just about) anything in there at the rate of knots ! Be warned to have your pruning scissors ready.

Yeah, places like greenline and java are fabulous value for money. But a lot of people don't know about them and stick to their trusty shops. Buying online is so much better though, because most shops stuff their plants into general tanks - which carry all sorts of potential nasty stuff (not to mention often pesky snails!).

You should start a progress thread over in the planted section

 

[bennett]

ok but it'll be your fault and i'll state that!

 

[Bloo]

lol I only gave advise and my (limited plant) experience as asked

 

[bennett]

HAHA i meant the thread! not what happens to my tank