Plant Ferts?

[DiddleBug]

I'm still unsure about live plants, but I might give it one more try.  I'm thinking of getting some vals, java fern, and amazon sword for my 2 10 gallons.  I have sand in my tanks and LED lights in one and a bulb in the other.  What ferts, nutrients, co2, etc.. do I need?  And what brands work best?    

 

[levahe]

Those plants you mention will grow OK without adding co2 so at this point co2 is entirely optional, and for ferts there is plenty of choice.
If you dont use co2 (liquid or gas) you will need trace elements (micros) Easylife profito/seachem flourish are just two but I don't know what you have available where you live, there is often cheaper options out there if you look around.

If you go down the co2 route you will need micros and macros, one product I can think of that contains both is tropica plant growth specialised but again there is cheaper options. The best option (cheapest) is the estimative index method which you use dry powders to mix your own micros and macros. Im sure you could get a E.I. starter kit online in the U.S. Here it costs me about £18 a year for a high tech tank.

Also you need to make sure that your tank has a decent amount of flow, has weekly waterchanges and is not too brightly lit and you should do ok,

 

[frapadoodle]

Also, go for one of the dwarf swords.
Amazons will outgrow a 10gal.

 

[DiddleBug]

Ok.  
 
So basically I should get an E.I. starter kit and then some ferts?  

 

[levahe]

the E.I. starter kits typically contain everything you need, here is a link to the one I buy http/www.aquariumplantfood.co.uk/fertilisers/dry-chemicals/starter-kits/ei-starter-kit.html
it contains all the ferts you need

 

[DiddleBug]

That makes it simple.  So you just follow the dosing and put the stuff in the water?  I had looked up E.I. starter kits and saw this same site!  Is it okay that I'm from the US?  

 

[levahe]

I would order from the US, I found one here http/greenleafaquariums.com/aquarium-fertilizers-supplements/micro-macro-fertilizers.html

 

[DiddleBug]

Thanks. I'll buy some there if I decode to get some live plants.   Now where can I have easy directions of how to use it?

Oh, and i have green cories.  Should I worry about them uprooting any plants I get?  Should I let the plants root (if I get them) before moving in the cories?