Planted Tank Questions..

[CBTF]

Im still thinking of adding some plants to my 10G tank (which only houses a betta and a cory right now) I have a few questions though.

Because of the nature of my tank's hood, I can't use florescent tubes. However, the LFS store does sell suitable bulbs that will do the trick. Im not sure about the WPG but it's enough to have a planted tank from what I understand.

As it is, buying the lighting will run me 30 dollars. The plants will also add up. I'm obviously not looking to spend very much on this effort, since the money just isnt there.

I'm aiming to buy low light/hardy beginner plants so I've got a good chance of keeping everything alive.

Is it worth the venture if i'm just going to be adding the plants with no fertilizer or anything? I'm using a normal LFS gravel (red and yellow combo..) Do nitrates/ammonia affect plants?

Because my decorations take up a lot of room, the plants would basically fill up any empty spots. Will this bother my cory or will she swim through the plants? I want the plants to be mainly in the back of the tank, if any leaves touch the intake of my HOB will this kill them? (if they are stuck there for a few days)

Phew.. okay. Any advice?

 

[netcode]

I'm aiming to buy low light/hardy beginner plants so I've got a good chance of keeping everything alive.

java ferns, java moss, hygro specices, some vallis( i have had good success in my low light), dwarf sagittaria, Anubias.. i am sure there are lots more but those are a few common ones.

Is it worth the venture if i'm just going to be adding the plants with no fertilizer or anything? I'm using a normal LFS gravel (red and yellow combo..) Do nitrates/ammonia affect plants?

sure, you will keep them alive but they may not grow that great. My suggestion is just get a cheap simple trace fertilizer such as seachem flourish. I bought it for 13.99 and for my tank it will supply me with 50 dosages, thats about 6 months supply. so for a 10 gallon your looking at over a years worth for just 13.99 (and thats canadian funds so it could be even cheaper).

nitrates are used by plants for growth... as for ammonia.. u shouldn't have any in your water as is.. if u do then something is off.

I want the plants to be mainly in the back of the tank, if any leaves touch the intake of my HOB will this kill them?

nope.. don't see why they would.. my plants get sucked and pushed around by my intake all the time.. actually makes them stronger as they have to stand up on their own.

 

[CBTF]

TY for the reply. Is Co2 needed? that's something I don't want to venture into.

Fertilizer and good lights are do-able, but not that.

 

[craynerd]

that's something I don't want to venture into.

Fertilizer and good lights are do-able, but not that.

Sorry, but why do you say that?
You can provide CO2 for less than £3 and about 20p a week.
Just use a 2l pop bottle, some proper CO2 tubing, fill the bottle with yeast, water and sugar and tap the tube from the lid directy into your filter inlet.

choice is yours, but all i am saying to you and others is that
...CO2 can be easily used if people wish.

Chris

 

[netcode]

Co2 is viewed as an expensive addon, but its really not. a DIY co2 system to provide a little extra co2 can be very very cheap. here are some links.

thread on tff about co2 with loads of links
my personal fav diy guide to co2