My First Live Plants

[coldcazzie]

I've only ever had live plants once before, they brought in snails and then died fairly quick leaving me with only snails and I swore I'd never have them again...

However, am in the process of completely revamping my tank - new decor, restocking etc and I've decided to take the plunge and buy some.

I found this listing on ebay:

[URL="http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/25-Live-Aquatic-Aqua...id=p3286.c0.m14"]http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/25-Live-Aquatic-Aqua...id=p3286.c0.m14[/URL]

I know LTP are recommended as a good seller of live plants so I'm fairly sure I'll get some good ones in ther, my question is would I then need to start buying ferts etc or would they manage ok without? If so, which is recomended as I may as well buy them altogether.

Also, what lighting setup do I need - I currently have 2 T8 bulbs I think and they are very bright. I can go and check the boxes they came in to see exactly what types they are - would you guys be able to tell me if they will do the job or whether I would need different bulbs?

Help!

 

[Jallen]

If you have over 0.7 watts of light for every US gallon of water in your tank, those plants will mostly be fine.
You will need a fert of some sort unless you want them to die of deficiencies, any off the shelf liquid fert like plantamin will be enough to supply that extra bit of trace nutrients.
CO2 is necessary if you have over 2wpg (watts per gallon), otherwise it's not.

I bought that pack, here's what I got:

And here's what it did for my tank:

A few plants will die because they aren't completely suited, for me only one type died, the others are doing great. I've since changed things around a bit and added different plants though hence the different signature pic.

 

[coldcazzie]

Ok, well it's a Juwel Rio 240, and the lights I have are an Arcadia 38W and a AquaGlo 40W...

*tries to do the maths in her head*

that works out at just over 1w per USG I think.

In that case I shall order those ones and have a lookie at their ferts, or look in P@H/QSS on Tuesday for some.

Any other hints/tips for me?

 

[Jallen]

- Lights on for 8-12 hours a day,
- Uproot plants as little as possible,
- You will likely get vallisneria, the long leaved eel grass stuff, don't bury the crown, at least 1/2 a cm of root should be visible above the substrate,
- Soak the plants for a few hours in tap water to remove anti-crustacian treatments, especially important if you have any shrimps or snails.

 

[aaronnorth]

you may find some useful things on here too:

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=298133

 

[coldcazzie]

- Lights on for 8-12 hours a day,
- Uproot plants as little as possible,
- You will likely get vallisneria, the long leaved eel grass stuff, don't bury the crown, at least 1/2 a cm of root should be visible above the substrate,
- Soak the plants for a few hours in tap water to remove anti-crustacian treatments, especially important if you have any shrimps or snails.

Thanks am looking forward to being able to have the lights on for longer - currently only on 6hrs a day so as not to encourage algae!

you may find some useful things on here too:

[URL="http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=298133"]http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=298133[/URL]

thanks will have a look now!

 

[snowflake311]

I would say good lighting and picking the right plants for your set up will be your best bet. Know what plants will work in low tech tanks. Use in substrate frets if you do not put a layer of plant substrate down.

 

[coldcazzie]

Use in substrate frets if you do not put a layer of plant substrate down.

Do I need to add these on a regular basis or just when first planting? I'll be buying some at lfs tomorrow, but just want to know if it's going to be a regular purchase?

 

[baron von bubba]

Use in substrate frets if you do not put a layer of plant substrate down.

Do I need to add these on a regular basis or just when first planting? I'll be buying some at lfs tomorrow, but just want to know if it's going to be a regular purchase?

personally i wouldnt bother with root tabs. unless maybe your going to have swords and crypts, even then its not a prerequisite.
most plants take the majority of their required nutrients from the water column. some low light plants, java fern and anubias wont even be planted so totally pointless for them.

 

[Jallen]

Use in substrate frets if you do not put a layer of plant substrate down.

Do I need to add these on a regular basis or just when first planting? I'll be buying some at lfs tomorrow, but just want to know if it's going to be a regular purchase?

personally i wouldnt bother with root tabs. unless maybe your going to have swords and crypts, even then its not a prerequisite.
most plants take the majority of their required nutrients from the water column. some low light plants, java fern and anubias wont even be planted so totally pointless for them.

Agreed, I don't use root tabs and my crypts and swords are doing fine.

 

[coldcazzie]

Reet, thanks, will try and get the smallest pack I can then...

 

[coldcazzie]

Ok... plants arrived in the post this morning.

1. Do I need to soak them in tank water or will tap water be alright?

2. Would they be alright living in a bucket with some liquid ferts for a few days-a week until I can rescape my tank and plant them? Don't really want to plant them and then have to replant again later.

3. If I post pictures up of the different plants would you be able to confirm species to me?

Thanks guys!

 

[Jallen]

Ok... plants arrived in the post this morning.

1. Do I need to soak them in tank water or will tap water be alright?

2. Would they be alright living in a bucket with some liquid ferts for a few days-a week until I can rescape my tank and plant them? Don't really want to plant them and then have to replant again later.

3. If I post pictures up of the different plants would you be able to confirm species to me?

Thanks guys!

1. Tap water is fine.
2. Yes, don't worry much about ferts while they are in the bucket.
3. Yes.

 

[coldcazzie]

Fab thanks!

Watch this space for pictures later!

 

[aly_starh]

yeh, ill defos be able to help with plant Id's

Make sure you wash them really well, you dont want no PEST SNAILS!