Tank idea step 1

[Quin]

I'm probably not going to change Hank's tank very much, if at all, until quarantine is over. That being said I'm definitely not satisfied with how it looks, and I'd love to fix it up for him. I want to fully render my plans for his tank, but in order to do that I need to know what they are. Step one let's go!

I made a mock up of a rock carving I'm hoping to make and put in his tank. It will be an arch, possibly with a backing, with holes for plants to root in. I'm working on dimensions still, as I need to know how much room each plant needs for itself.

Referring to the attached picture, with each hole labelled A-E, which plants would you suggest to go in each, and how big do they get? I was thinking hole A could contain some sort of moss so there is smaller work around for the height of the plant. I was also hoping to put the biggest plant (maybe Anubias) in hole E as it would have the most room to get big and leafy there. Would I need to make the holes deep and fill them with nutrient rich substrate to promote growth? I'm planning sand for the tank

All suggestions are welcome, including where to get my hands on carving tools. I'm willing to put extra work in for nice plants, but I'm on a budget. There may be a covering of salvinia, so no plants that require intense sunlight or that aren't compatible for a betta. I am especially looking for plants that can improve the health and livelihood of my tank and fish. 10 gallon freshwater tropical.

 

[JuiceBox52]

Looks good anubias, java fern, Marino moss ball, and amazon swords are all low to moderate light plants I believe. As well as java moss and anarchis and hornwort

 

[Quin]

Looks good anubias, java fern, Marino moss ball, and amazon swords are all low to moderate light plants I believe. As well as java moss and anarchis and hornwort

Awesome thank you!

 

[FishGuest5123]

I'm probably not going to change Hank's tank very much, if at all, until quarantine is over. That being said I'm definitely not satisfied with how it looks, and I'd love to fix it up for him. I want to fully render my plans for his tank, but in order to do that I need to know what they are. Step one let's go!

I made a mock up of a rock carving I'm hoping to make and put in his tank. It will be an arch, possibly with a backing, with holes for plants to root in. I'm working on dimensions still, as I need to know how much room each plant needs for itself.

Referring to the attached picture, with each hole labelled A-E, which plants would you suggest to go in each, and how big do they get? I was thinking hole A could contain some sort of moss so there is smaller work around for the height of the plant. I was also hoping to put the biggest plant (maybe Anubias) in hole E as it would have the most room to get big and leafy there. Would I need to make the holes deep and fill them with nutrient rich substrate to promote growth? I'm planning sand for the tank

All suggestions are welcome, including where to get my hands on carving tools. I'm willing to put extra work in for nice plants, but I'm on a budget. There may be a covering of salvinia, so no plants that require intense sunlight or that aren't compatible for a betta. I am especially looking for plants that can improve the health and livelihood of my tank and fish. 10 gallon freshwater tropical.

A small anubias or anubias petite would look great in one of the places.

 

[Quin]

A small anubias or anubias petite would look great in one of the places.

Oh awesome, I did not know there were little versions!

 

[Essjay]

There are several species of anubias, some grow bigger than others.
Another plant to look at is Bucephalandra, buce for short. Again there are many species and varieties though they do tend to be more expensive than java fern and anubias.

This my Bucephalandra maia, the one on the left was tied on with cotton when I took the photo, it's attached by itself now. And excuse the nerite eggs on the wood

 

[Quin]

There are several species of anubias, some grow bigger than others.
Another plant to look at is Bucephalandra, buce for short. Again there are many species and varieties though they do tend to be more expensive than java fern and anubias.

This my Bucephalandra maia, the one on the left was tied on with cotton when I took the photo, it's attached by itself now. And excuse the nerite eggs on the wood
View attachment 102798

Whoa that's such a pretty plant! Do you order yours online? I'm not sure how to bring the plants home as the nearest nursery is the next state over, and I don't know if they can be shipped if it doesn't have any

 

[Essjay]

I get most of my plants on-line as my local shops have a very limited selection. I mainly use Ebay - but I'm in the UK. Look and see what's available on your Ebay. Other American members will be able to give you the names of other on-line plant shops.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

Anubias Nana and Java Fern are low light plants but they grow very slow and does not provide much benefits to the fish other than as shelters.

Hornwort and Anacharis Elodea are fast growing plants that are good for absorbing nitrate/waste from your tank. You can even keep them floating in the water.

Some info:

Keeping Anacharis in Your Aquarium: All You Need To Know

Plants can play many different roles in the aquarium. As well as being used for visual purposes, aquatic plants can also be used as a food source, as water purifiers and to provide shelter. The

www.fishkeepingworld.com

Hornwort: The Complete Care Guide

There are many reasons to introduce plants into your tank. From oxygenating the water to providing shelter, plants will keep the tank, and the fish much healthier. Hornwort is one of the easiest freshwater plants

www.fishkeepingworld.com

Java Fern Care, Size, Aquarium, How to Plant & Grow

Java fern is a freshwater species that is used as a midground plant in aquariums. Java ferns are popular due to their ease of care and unique leaf structure.

www.fishkeepingworld.com

Anubias Nana: The Full Guide To Caring, Planting and Propagation

Anubias nana is a short plant with broad leaves. Its dark green colors make it an attractive plant and it will help keep your tank water clean and oxygenated. Adding plants to an aquarium can

www.fishkeepingworld.com