Live plants

[dvanbem]

is it pretyt hard to raise live plants??? and i need some suggestions for secenry too add to my tanks

 

[Nik]

Dvanben

Plants in an established tank grow pretty well and it's not too difficult.

Good substrate is required to take root systems. Some fish - dependant on the stock you have - may eat the plants so beware. Plants - correct me if I'm wrong guys - soak up nitrates and in some cases will help to add oxygen into the tank.

Additions to a tank:
Rock
Most LFS's will sell suitable rock allowing you the option to build walls, caves etc.. If you're not sure about the rock put some vinegar on it. If it bubbles don't use the rocks.
Bogwood
Good for creating underwater features. Make sure you boil the bogwood first to stop you tank from getting discoloured. You can also get bogwood with plants growing on it (Java Fern) sometimes a little pricey but very effective.

If you struggle to grow good plants then there are now many plastic plants for sale that after a few weeks in the water can look very realistic.

Let us know/see how you get on??

 

[Alex]

good live plants in my book are unbeatable, they also do help the nitrates in your tank and to oxygenate it, but do beware, a lot of the plants you see are actually not fully aquatic and need taking out every now and then or they rot. So when looking for live plants ask if they are proper aquatic plants so that you don't have rotting plants in your tank as this can seriously damage your water quality.

I think bogwood is extremely attractive and if you have any plecs alot of them need it to survive, I agree with Nik, the ones with plants on are gorgeous and they can make great hiding places for fish (to help them not get stressed out).

Good luck, making your tank attractive is great fun.

 

[guppymonkey]

I want to get live plants but I want one that will grow low, something like a carpet on the bottom of the tank. Any suggestions?

 

[Plasmah]

From what I'v read these plants will fit the bill:
They are easy to take care of and require low to medium light and are very hardy.

Vesicularia Dubyana (Java Moss)
Anubias Barteri var. nana (Dwarf Anubias)
Microsorium Pteropus (Java Fern)
Anacharis - Elodea densa
Cabomba - Cabomba caroliniata

I will be putting these in my 20 gallon tank soon.

Hope that helps

 

[gadazobe]

moving to how does your garden grow - should get more response there.
gada