Setting up new aquarium

[TomSawyer]

Hi guys

thnx for your precious advice. I will set up a new aquarium measuring 36inx14inx14in for my goldfish, blackmoors and lionheads (12 in all). This time I would like to include live plants . I did in the past use live plants, but either the fish ate them as salads or they died within days.I intend to use gravels of approx 3-5mm. I would be grateful if u could advise me what type of plants I need. Also any tips on water testing, filters adn light required.

thanx

 

[Dragonslair]

If it's a coldwater setup you want then your choice of plants are as vast as tropicals. It depends how you want your plants in your tank. If you want oxgenators or surface floaters or decorative. Most goldfish including Koi will eat your plants. The only thing you can do is have your plants well established before your fish come into play. OR provide alternative greens for them to eat, such as lettuce leaf or crushed peas. It is a difficult balancing act. Lighting-well that's your choice, but I would avoid light that runs the red spectrum rage. This will stimulate the growth of algae. This will be your bugbear. Control of algae, especially blanket weed which looks like spyrogyra. (remember your school biology lesson) Horrible stuff.