1st (ish) Go At Planted - Rio 180

[monkeywobbler]

Hi guys. I've really enjoyed my first go at a planted tank, however I need some advice and inspiration with regards to further plants and a plant for carpeting.
So far I have,
Java Moss
Java Fern
3/4 different types of anubias (not sure about them though)
2 Moss balls
Salvinia molesta (I think)
Lots of plants I have no idea about because they were in the LFS and on sale and didn't have a name tag Naughty I know.

The plants are all fairly new and are still waiting to grow out.

Stocking - 2 red dwarf gouramies, 4 platy's, 5 albino cory's, 3 zebra danios (waiting to rehome), 7 harlequin rasbora, 2 amano shrimp, and a whiptail catfish.

The lights are the Juwel ones, one is "nature", the other "day" and they're both 45W. I have a little c02 canister on there too, the Tetra one - aerosol type thing. I have noticed a difference in the plants growth, although no pearling

Take a look;

If you can tell me what the plants are I'd be very appreciative!
Look forward to hearing your ideas!

Monkey

Edited to add - I haven't decided between a black or blue background, I'm leaning towards black to hide the filer

 

[aaronnorth]

nice setup, i like the way you ave positioned the hardscape and plants :

I would add various crypts arond the wood

Pearling is achieved when the plants have taken in enough CO2 (they use the carbon) then they give off the O2 when they have to much of it.

 

[rhysiboy]

to be honest i love how it looks now! looks really nice and minimalistic with the white sand . Well with regards to inspiration you could go look at any and all of these:

pm me if you would like a link to an e-magazine

oh and have you heard of takashi amano

 

[monkeywobbler]

Yes I have heard of him! His tanks really are fabulous. You know, I really am leaning towards Glosso. I really, really like it. More than Riccia. And I love the look of Riccia. I don't know if I have enough light to be honest, maybe something a little bit less demanding...

 

[aaronnorth]

try a marsilea specie.

 

[rhysiboy]

how about hemianthus callitrichoides

 

[aaronnorth]

how about hemianthus callitrichoides

that is harder than glosso.

I misread your last post, you do have anough light, but it is CO2 that you are lacking on, 1 tetra optimat is not much on a 180.

 

[rhysiboy]

oh sorry didnt know, new to all this plant malarki

 

[aaronnorth]

i once was too

you soon get the hang od everything once you research and test it for yourself.

 

[monkeywobbler]

Ok, so the light's alright but I need a pressurised C02 system? Oooh, I see carbon dioxide in my future. I have to work out how to do it on a budget without resorting to 500 bottles of yeast

Thanks guys!

 

[aaronnorth]

take a look at the 2 Fire extinghuisher articles in my sig, it also gives a list of equipment.

Costs around £80 including a 2kg FE.