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hi,

im new and need some ideas on what plants to put into my tank. i also need ideas on the type of fish that i'll be comfortable in a 16 gallon.

ill be posting more info on the tank soon

thanks

Hi there gaMMa

Yeah, a way more detailed description of the tank is required to identify what plants are suitable, including light strenght (Watts) and type of light, substrate, basically anything you can share with us about the tank.

Fish, why don't you first go and check out some fishies, then let us know which ones you like, and then we will tell you why you cannot have them (Just Kidding - on the last part).

Have fun, hope to read more info soon,

Ingo

---

Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Hi,
Welcome to FP!!

I suggest that you read this article:
http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/threads/13454.1.htm?30#

It is the one at the top of this forum (Planted Aquaria).
In it you will find a wealth of information not only for
the beginner, but also for the intermediate aquarist as
well.

The easiest thing to do is to look at the basics.
What do you want for the tank when it is "done."
Then, realize that a tank is never truly "done" as it
is alive and will always be changing.
Plants grow (larger, wider and multiply) and need to be
trimmed constantly, thus the "look" of the tank is always
changing.

Read the link, and then ask the questions. Know what your
lighting is, what fish you want, and what you can afford.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

i have a 11W flourescent light which gives me about 0.7 W/g (i once grew a java fern which went quite well) my tank height around 33 cm.

i think 1 dwarf gourami and a few neon/black neon tetras would do well, right? i'd like more fish possibilities.

i have about 3/4 inch thick gravel (pebble like) i have some extra if i need thicker gravel.

the plants that ive seen sold here are i think amazon sword and some tall dark green pine tree like plant which i think im gonna get it, its for about $5. i think i'd like
some moss too either xmas moss or java moss.

i actually dont have a money limit. So anything goes.

thanks

Hi,
3/4 of an inch is awfully shallow for growing most plants.
Generally, we use enough substrate to have it 3-4 inches
thick. That gives the plants lots of substrate to grow
roots through and anchor themselves really well.
Ideally, the gravel grains should be around 2 or 3mm in
size. Much larger and the roots cannot anchor and the
plants have problems. Too fine (sand like) and the
substrate can compact, become clogged with detritus, and
lead to other problems.

You probably will want to increase the wpg to at least
2 wpg and that would allow you to grow all of the "low
light" plants, nearly all of the mid light plant, and even
some, select, high light plants.

Frank

-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

thanks for replying, 3/4 is really shallow but ive got enough gravel to raise it to about 2.5 is that ok?

also im gonna get this 30W light from my lfs is that ok?

what plants can i grow with that?

Hi,
2.5 is better than 3/4, but 3-4 would be even better.
30 watts/16gallon=1.875 watts/gallon. This should allow
you to grow any of the low light plants (anubis, crypts,
etc.) and some of the medium demand plants.

For ideas, go to this site:
http://www.tropica.com/default.asp

Then click on the "ADVANCED SEARCH" field and search for
plants by light needs.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

i just bought a plant from my lfs,the guy said it was from singapore. i went on tropica and i think its "Egeria densa" i've got some pics (but i can't post'em >.<

if thats what it is then will it do ok in my tank with the current setup?

also its covered in baby snails, what type are they? can i keep them? . if i cant, how do i remove them?

they r brown with blackish spots.


thanks in advance for any replies.

Since you already bought the plant, I'd go ahead and get the new light fixture if you can. With your current lighting (0.7wpg) the Egeria densa (also called Anacharis) won't grow very well. It should do fine once you get the 30w fixture though.

You can keep the snails if you want. Try not to overfeed the tank once you get fish in it and the snails should stay under control. They multiply really fast if you overfeed. If you don't want to keep them, you can try to rinse the plant under running water and see if that gets them off. If not, you may have to pick them off with your fingers. If they don't bother you, then by all means keep them.

*Kristin*

hi girlie,

umm... i already threw the snails out

oh, my lfs sells the flourescent tubes but it doesnt sell the hood can i make a DIY hood? they have a 50w, 30w, 25w lights but no hoods if i cant DIY it then i have to buy a lamp or something from ikea, lol.

thanks