Would This Work As A Planted Tank?

[jennesque]

I've got a 28 gallon tank with pool filter sand substrate. I've just got the normal t5 hood with a 6500k bulb. I didn't know ANYTHING about plants in a tank when I first planted my tank, and so a lot of the plants I have are actually high light plants that would probably prefer a more high tech situation. I'm thinking of revamping my tank, and I saw this tank and it would also match my living room well too. I'm just not 100% sure this would really make fish very happy.

Obviously, it'd be on a bigger scale than this since this is only a betta tank..
I've currently got some crypts so I figured I would keep those, and I also have some brazilian pennywort that I would use as well instead of the creeping jenny. I'd just be adding more anubias on the bottom, and floating some baby tears (unless someone has a better recommendation for a floating plant. I really like the look of the floating baby tears though, and I'm hoping they'll get enough light by being so close to the light. I've also got marimo balls I would add to the tank, and I thought I might cover some stones with riccia for added decoration and plant life.

I was also thinking of getting a buddha decoration that's at petco that is hollow and has holes in it for the fish to hang out in, so that would add a cave to the tank for a hiding spot. Would the multiple anubias / crypts in the tank be enough additional hiding spots for the fish?

Here's more info on the tank if you'd like:
http/tankscape.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-planted-buddha-betta-tank-peace-and.html


I have a sponge filter I'm hoping to hide behind buddha, if that matters to the plants, and as far as fish in my tank, cause I know that is important, here's what I've got stocked:

- 2 German Blue Rams
- 9 Harlequin Rasboras
- 7 Neon Tetras
- 4 False Julii corys (probably going to add one more)
- 1 African Dwarf Frog

I also have some nerite snails and ghost shrimp.

 

[Caprichoso]

I like it You're wondering if the plants you stated will provide enough hiding places? If they are a decent size, I don't see why not.

 

[jennesque]

Yeah, I know it's obviously not the most "natural" of tanks, and natural would make the fish the happiest.. I just wanted to know if people thought that this would keep the fish comfortable enough.

 

[micko]

I'm pretty sure that bamboo rots in water.
I like the plants, just not all that goes with it. I understand some people do like them, that's why they're sold, I just won't comment on the statue ornament.

 

[ian]

yeah, the bamboo will rot. The problem is that it rots from the inside, so you won't realise, until you get those ammonia spikes.

 

[Katch]

You could use bamboo but you'd need to coat it in polyurethane varnish paying particular attention to the ends. 3 or 4 coats.

 

[jennesque]

You could use bamboo but you'd need to coat it in polyurethane varnish paying particular attention to the ends. 3 or 4 coats.

I know that bamboo rots, so I was researching what to do on this. I appreciate this suggestion, I had thought of it but I wasn't sure what would be safe for a tank or not. The person who designed the tank said they just switch out the bamboo as it starts to rot because it's so cheap and easy to get.. I've also been looking to see if I can find some plastic bamboo stalks, so far I've just found some decorated PVC pipe.


I know many people prefer a 100% natural & planted tank. I obviously don't like neon colors, pirate ships, 'No Fishing' signs, or fake coral in my tank, but I don't want a high tech tank either. All of my fish need soft, acidic water, so I don't feel like messing with rocks that may or may not impact the ph / hardness. I thought about using just driftwood and plants in the tank, but I also don't mind the occasional decoration, as long as it looks somewhat natural. I like the look of ancient ruins among plants, and this is somewhat what I'd be going for. I don't feel the fish are ever bothered by a decoration like this, it's not like they'd know it's a buddha vs a rock formation.

 

[Katch]

polyurethane varnish is 100% tank safe.