Wanting Planted Tank

[Scvpirates]

ive been keeping fish for about 3 years and after looking through some magazines and reading articles on planted tanks i really want one. takashi amano is brilliant his designs are so awesome. i already have a mature 29 gallon tank with fish and one anubias in it but in order to do a fully planted tank id have to tear it all down wouldnt I? ive never had any problems with my tank and want something that will really challenge me. if anyone has any ideas could you please help me.

 

[lljdma06]

First off, welcome to the Planted Section. Here are a few links to get you started.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=298133 - A recent pin by Aaronnorth to get you started on the basics.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=296418 - PARC, out planted aquarium resource center

It isn't hard to setup a planted tank. If the anubia is any indication, I think you've got some potential. The plant looks good and the flower is a fine sign.

 

[Scvpirates]

it actually has two flowers now. the leaves keep getting chewed up but it seems to be doing fine.

 

[Scvpirates]

what other plants could i introduce using only the standard lighting and with gravel substrate? i tried micro sword and japanese rush before but neither grew in very well.

 

[aaronnorth]

beautiful anubias.
Sticking with what you have i would try some microsorum pteropus, cryptocoryne species, vallisneria (I like "nana" best), java moss, moss balls, echindorous sp, hygrophillia sp,
They are all easy to care for. I would just buy a fertiliser such as tropica plant nutrition+ and dose weekly to keep he nutrient levels sufficient

 

[lljdma06]

what other plants could i introduce using only the standard lighting and with gravel substrate? i tried micro sword and japanese rush before but neither grew in very well.

See here for why your Japanese rush failed.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=297782

The micro sword probably needed CO2 injection. It is a twitchy plant. Aaronnorth's suggestions are very good. There a list in PARC of plants that I have personally grown with low light. Some might be nice to try.

The fish-keeper in me, however, does not love your stocking list. It's not an overstock issue, I'm a horrible overstocker and often condone it for low-light planted tanks with good circulation, but it's the combination I'm not loving. I'll have a review of it when I break for lunch and get back to you. Your pleco is most likely eating your anubia which is why the leaves are beat up. If they don't have algae or other goodies, he will eat something else that is vegetable matter. Try feeding it pleco tabs or cucumber.

 

[Scvpirates]

i do feed him algae tabs he barely eats them though. theres never any algae on my glass though. so maybe hes eating the plant. i dont understand. whats wrong with my stocking? i know my tank isnt overstocked.

 

[lljdma06]

i do feed him algae tabs he barely eats them though. theres never any algae on my glass though. so maybe hes eating the plant. i dont understand. whats wrong with my stocking? i know my tank isnt overstocked.

I just PM'd you. I'm not saying your tank is overstocked. Read the PM.

 

[Scvpirates]

thank you for all your help.