Planting Help

[Mad Bean]

Hi everyone.

I need some advise on planting my 55 gallon (US) tank. I had put live plants in a 20, but had no success with it and went back to artificial. But I just set up my 55 and would like to try it again. Can anyone advise me on the best plants. I want the plants to be to thrive with the fish I have, but am not sure what to get and the best lighting for them.

The fish I have are:
2 Angels
2 Bala sharks
2 Silver Dollars
6 Pristella tetras
3 Zebra danios
2 Cory's
and 1 Sailfin pleco

I would like to have low maintenance plants to fill the tank. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Bean

 

[AquaNut]

You have a lot of fish that like soft, acidic water. I'd suggest you try a couple of Amazon swords in the corners of your tank (Echinodorus bleheri); in a few months, they'll have filled the corners entirely. Plant some valisneria across the back of your tank. It will quickly grow to the surface (looks like wide blades of grass, kinda). Then, get some java fern (microsorum) and attach it to some bogwood or rocks (make sure they're boiled and inert before adding them to your tank) with elastic, cotton string, or fishing line. Stick in a few clumps of rotala and maybe some ceratopteris (water sprite). These are all very hardy, easy to grow plants. Once you've got them growing well, you can always experiment with more complicated plants and the care that goes along with them. Good luck!

 

[Mad Bean]

Thanks Aqua, that helps.

One question I have. When I put live plants in my 20, I ended up with a lot of snails that kept reproducing. How do I avoid that again?

Then, get some java fern (microsorum) and attach it to some bogwood or rocks (make sure they're boiled and inert before adding them to your tank) with elastic, cotton string, or fishing line.

Boiled? How long? And how do I inert them?

And where is the best web site to buy plants if I don't go to the local pet shop (btw, I don't go to PetsMart)?

Another thing, do I need to replace the lights in my hood? The bulbs are new, but I want to make sure I provide adequite light for them.

 

[Mad Bean]

I found this, how does it sound?

Easy Grow Plant Packages

Aquarium size in gallons
Plants Included 55
Oriental Sword 2
Purple Cabomba 6
Broad Leaf Ludwigia 5
Contortion Val 6
Narrow Leaf Ludwigia 5
Dwarf Sag 5
Java Fern 4
Wisteria 4
Package Price $79.99
Individually Priced $106.30
You Save! $26.31

 

[bgraber]

How much total wattage do you have Bean? I've seen it it recommended at least 1 watt per gallon.. Deeper tanks need more light to reach bottom if necessary.. That plant package looks pretty good.. i've heard tho that colored plants(other than green) generally require more light and might be harder to grow.. That may be the case for the Purple Cabomba.. I like the way the Cabomba looks but am finding that its "leaves" are falling off and kind of buggering up my filter.. I wonder if this is because I need more light? I only have a 15watt buld on my 20 gal..

 

[bgraber]

Oh yeah, CO2 could be an issue as well with that many plants.. You could look into getting a CO2 kit and making those plants Really happy
*Edit: Just found this link.. Interesting stuff on Cabomba and planting in general. http/www.gardenbanter.co.uk/archive/26/2.../2003/03/1/2905
You have to sift through a bit to find the good stuff..

 

[Mad Bean]

I just check the bulbs that I have now. It has 2 15 watt bulbs. I figured that i would get some better ones when I finally added the plants.

I saw that package and thought I would get some suggestions about it because it had some of the plants listed that AquaNut suggested. I still haven't made a decision on that yet.

I also have a question about substrates. I currently have 60 lbs of aquarium gravel in my tank. Will that be fine to plant ar do I need to add a different substrate to add iron to help them?

 

[Tragic Avenue]

Hope Im not out of line here but silver dollars will eat your plants.
Just something to think about.
I had to feed mine cucumber every day to keep the plant munching to a minimum.
Miss a day and whole plants gone!
They grow fast (the dollars) with plants

 

[bgraber]

hehe, good info... I found this link a bit ago.. http/www.floridadriftwood.com/aquarium_p..._amanostyle.htm
Substrates like Flourite and Laterite are recommended, but I have questions about vacuuming with this stuff and adding it to an existing setup. I've read that with the plants and fish, it creates nutrients for the plants.. now enough for a bunch of plants is another thing..