total newbie question

[sumer_kay]

Okay, I am slowly but surely getting my tank perfect , (its already in use) Igot a new filter, fish, new rock, charcaol, light, heater, , I went out and bought aqua safe, and easy balance, I got a net, (you should have seen me try to catch the fish with a wooden spoon, and a ladle) I have a air pump stone thingy, and that's about it. I need help with plants, right now, my tank has (don't laugh it looks kewl) a small glass fish bowl in it, a glass cup, and a glass ice cream bowl. will live plants even grow in aquarium rock? do plastic plants help at all? There aren't any places to hide in my tank, do fish need those if they aren't breeding? The fish in my signature are already in this tank. Also, could u suggest some tank buddies?

 

[Colisa lalia]

It is good to keep live or plastic plants with your fish even when they aren't breeding. They like places to hide and the plants provide them with it.
Now will plants grow in your tank? Some hardy ones will grow in pea gravel, floating plants will no matter what kind of substrate, but you need good lighting. About 2 watts per gallon is needed to keep and raise plants. You can go lower but then you should only get low light level plants.
If you want plants try Java fern, or Java moss, they are both hardy and very nice looking.
For tank mates try 3 or 4 more platies at most, and I think that will probably fill your tank. Especially as the pleco grows.
Glad you're doing well!!

 

[sumer_kay]

For tank mates try 3 or 4 more platies at most, and I think that will probably fill your tank. Especially as the pleco grows.
Glad you're doing well!!

Thank you very much for your advice I hadn't even thought of floating plants, As for the tank mates, I really don't know that I'm ready for live bearers, or any spawn really. Don't platies give birth every 6 weeks? I would have a zillion fish in no time, and no where to put them. thnx again =)