Plants

[StarOrbs]

I've been thinking of getting some plants for the tank when I get the fish is there anything special that needs to be done to keep the plants healthy. Also is there anything that is bad for the plants, for example a type of flter, a chemical or any fish. Thanks

 

[sylvia]

Many people will suggest CO2 for a very densely planted tank and some may also say fertilisers and things. Frequent, regular partial water changes and good lighting is realy all you need in my opinion. Strong currents are generaly considered bad for plants but it depends. I think it doesn't realy matter. Obviously you don't want any fish that'll eat or uproot the plants That means most cichlids are out of the question and any truly herbivorous fish or sometimes even plecos, will eat most plants. There are always plants that are exceptions and won't be eaten or damaged. The key is to research your plants and your fish to see whether they are compatible.

 

[freddyk]

Unless you're tank is seriously deficient in lighting there are plants that will work with nothing special done to the tank. I used the experimentation tactict - some that I introduced failed, some merely existed, others thrived. The ones that thrive, I keep. My planted tank is a 25 gallon with 40 watts of lighting, and a simple beach sand substrate. I also add an iron supplement to the water column.

Of course, your options increase if you start using serious lighting and co2, but it may take some time to learn through experience and get everything balanced right. I didn't want to be a gardener, I just wanted live plants for my fish.

Find out before-hand whether the fish you want will eat plants, some can mince them in no time. As far as chemicals go, never use any type of algaecide of course - whatever they say on the lable they are terrible for plants.

 

[StarOrbs]

Nice, thanks for the quick answers. I'll take a look around.

 

[modernhamlet]

Even if you don't want to deal with CO2 diffusers and lighting upgrades, there are several plants that will do just fine in a low light environment.

Check out this site for a good starting point: Aquamaniacs Proven Performers

I was able to grow many of the plants they list in a 29g with only a basic 25 watt fixture.

Good luck!

 

[StarOrbs]

Thanks, that helped a lot.. I'll have to see if they have those in the store.

 

[Mischief]

how about with mollies what kind of plants can I put in with them?

 

[ncjharris]

Also, it may seem obvious, but it wasn't to me when we started using real plants.

You can (should?) take them out of the pots they come in and remove the mineral wool that encases the roots before burying them in the sand/gravel.

Didn't realise this when started, and wondered why none of them grew!!