Plants

[fishygurl]

Im setting up my 20 gallon tanks soon.. and i am going to put in a few (3 or mabye 4) plants. But my question is, can i add more plants later and what is the best way to do this without disturbing the fish?

 

[dwarfgourami]

Just shove them in, your fish are going to have to get used to your poking around in the tank anyway, doing weekly water changes, gravel cleans etc. Most fish IME hate the net, but don't mind anything else much.

 

[nicklfire]

If you want successfull plants, research different lighting sources that your going to need. Ifyou just have light bulbs right now, i'd recommend getting some flourescent bubls... because you have 20Gal i'l recommend about.. 40Watts of lighting...

I dont think the WPG(watts per gallon) rule actually is in effect for smaller tanks like 20 gallon.. but plants sure like light

Start off with some low level plants if you can. Ask your LFS

 

[houndour]

Yes, of course you can add plants later.

I wouldnt go for 2 WPG unless you want to get into a planted tank because you might end up with algae problems unless you start dosing ferts and then getting towards 2.5 WPG you need to think about injecting CO2.

Some low light plants to look out for: java fern, java moss and anubias (all attached to wood/rock). You may have success with other plants...crypts, hygrophila, maybe swords...

 

[SkiFletch]

Yes, of course you can add plants later.

I wouldnt go for 2 WPG unless you want to get into a planted tank because you might end up with algae problems unless you start dosing ferts and then getting towards 2.5 WPG you need to think about injecting CO2.

Some low light plants to look out for: java fern, java moss and anubias (all attached to wood/rock). You may have success with other plants...crypts, hygrophila, maybe swords...

What he said . I'm still a plant beginner, but my anubias nana is doing great in my low-light tank. Very hardy plant