New To Planted Tank – Help

Hey everyone, I am new to the whole planted tank thing, and went for the easiest route possible. The tank is only 30L and only has a 8W light which is on for 7-8 hours a day. The plants consist of Java Fern, two types of Anubias Nana, Marimo Moss Balls and a Tiger Lotus Bulb. Pictures can be seen below, I am sorry they are very very bad quality and do no justice what so ever.

My questions to you lovely people and experts:

Is my light sufficient, I cant find a higher Watt to fit (12 inches)?
Do I need to use ferts or can I rely on fish waste alone?
How does it look atheistically (be honest)?
Do you have anything else to add?

Thank you very much for helping, its why I am here, to learn from you all.

1) it is sufficent for the plants you have, maybe not the lotus though
2) because of the low lighting, i think you will probobaly get away with none, maybe just get a cheap all in one fert and dose it once a weeek to be on the safe side, not nutrafin plant gro as it is rubbish.
3) TBH, i think it looks great, especially the anubias in the middle, i like the 4 different colour tones you have and that is a simple tank, they usually look the most effective sometimes.

I really like it. I would have put the moss balls in the front corners to space it out a little more but that's just what I like. Great choice in there

For what its worth I really like it. I wouldn't have thought many people with 30 litre tanks bother with plants but yours is a good example of why all should, real plants must be better for the fishes.

Thank you for the very kind words and answers to my questions people.
I really wish I could provide decent pictures for you all.

I am very happy with the tank now.
Think i am done with the plants, just sorting out fish stocking now.

Joshy, this is a great first setup. You picked plants that, for the most part are quite suitable. It is iffy as to wether the bulb will grow. I've had them grow with about 1WPG, but it was a larger tank. I've even had one germinate in an outside shaded tube, under pounds of hair algae. So I say give it a try; it would be something good to know if the bulb grows in your lighting. What kind of light is it? I know it's 8W, but I want to know the type of bulb and the color temperature, which is usually a number in the thousands followed by a K. I have a similar size tank that has 24W over and I still consider that low light, so you have quite a bit of room for upgrading without sacrificing ease. Even changing to a better color temperature will help growth if you can't up the wattage.

The arrangement is very pretty and you've allowed some space in the front for swimming. If your betta isn't a monster, some of mine were not, a shoal of pygmy corydoras would be a fine addition. They would take advantage of the swimming space, the bare substrate in the front, and they would rest on the anubia leaves. A cute addition. There are three species found in the trade. Corydora pygmaeus and hastatus are shoalers in the mid-levels and might be tempting for a feisty betta to pick on. C. habrosus behaves more like a traditional corydora and stays more at the bottom of the tank, which may be better for your betta. All three are available online.

On a further note, some quality plants you have there. I'm particularly fond of anubias. Where did you get them?

llj

That tank looks brilliant!! i'm actually jealous of it! Brilliant job