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I get confused about whether or not I can put plants in my gravel so I took a couple of pictures to see if someone can help me decide. I just added some java fern and attached it to some wood. There is a bigger piece that I just got and is still soaking. I'd like to add some anubias but I haven't found it in any LFS except one that already has it attached to wood and I didn't want that.

Gravel picture, I think the wood is about 7-8 inches long
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e237/imrandy85/38%20gallon/gravel.jpg

with finger in front to attempt size comparison
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e237/imrandy85/38%20gallon/gravelwithfinger.jpg

So, do you think I could plant anything right in the gravel? What plants would be suited for this? I took a look at the bulb, its a 17w flourescent and the hood is rated for 20w. But I guess either way is very low light. I suppose I could get a new light strip or maybe just do some work on mine.

Correction, its java moss i think is what youre talking about. I dont see any "ferns" around. I would suggest you put rooting plants in the gravel, like anubias or what not. Java fern is also good, as i put it in the gravel, and its growing fine(i think . Anyway, you could bury the piece of wood in the gravel and see if it roots. Or you could even put anacharis in, or hornwort, although it takes a while for anacharis to root, and hornwort dosent. Get some new light, and put in cabomba, although in some places its illegal. Check in your area, and find plants that arent bunched up, that are groing tall and above the surface, and are buried. These are probably the most effective gravel growing plants. Oh, and some anubias looks like it has sharp leaves that are 4-5" long, or maybe 1-2" wide. These are great growers, and will last a long time. Try to include slow growing plants, as these last the longest! You can identify them by how they look/grow. If they are long with wide leaves, chances are that its a slower grower. Just identify the different types of plants and youll be fine, as most plants can/shoud be put in gravel, or at least the ones with roots(rhizomes are a different story).


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Correction, its java moss i think is what youre talking about. I dont see any "ferns" around.

Nope, its java fern, you can see the rhizomes on top of the wood in the first picture and the stems growing out of that. I do know the difference in moss and fern .

most plants can/shoud be put in gravel

I know that most plants should be planted in the substrate but my concern was with the size of my gravel and if it was small enough to plant in.

Hi,

I am not sure of the size of your tank so can't be too sure of your light requirements, but at that size I will assume that your light is a little on the low side.

No problems with planting in that gravel at all. You will find that a lot of plants need more lighting than what you have there. Just go for some of the cheaper stem plants until you can get a better/stronger light source.

I agree that it is java fern as you can just see the rhizomes above the roots.

Anubias generally are attached to wood or rocks as they dont seem to do well planted in the substrate (as do java fern and moss).

Go for some of the cheap stem plants like wisteria, ambulia or elodea. Java fern, java moss and anubias will be ok in your tank but dont expect too much growth if the light is low.


Good luck.

I am not sure of the size of your tank so can't be too sure of your light requirements, but at that size I will assume that your light is a little on the low side.

I can't believe I left that part out, its 38 gallons so with my current lighting I'm a little below 0.5 watts per gallon. If I get the max for my hood it will be just over 0.5 watts per gallon.

i know the difference between moss and fern

Im sorry if i offended you, but i just didnt see anything that had to do with a fern. I thought it was elodea at first. Then i thought it was java moss because of its flowing texture. I just didnt see any rhizomes or anything....I think my computer blurred it up.

Go for some of the cheap stem plants like wisteria, ambulia or elodea. Java fern, java moss and anubias will be ok in your tank but dont expect too much growth if the light is low.

First off, wisteria will look a little leggy in very low light. It will still grow, but not to quality max. Heres a good link for wisteria Java moss is still a fast grower and even in low light. I think you should give it a try!


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Hi,
With just a half watt per gallon of light, you are
restricted to what we call "low light demand plants."
These include the various varieties of Crypts and some
other plants, such as anubis.
Check out this site for sample of low light plants:
http://www.aquariumplants.com/Low_Light_Plants_s/25.htm
You can either order packages from the various online
sites, or you can write the plant names down and go
searching the LFS in your area.

Frank


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

How much would it help if I upgraded to a 20w 10000K bulb.

Hi,
I would stick with bulbs that are between 6700 - 8800K.
10,000K is the "top end" of the "K" rating for plants
and the beginning of the lighting used for saltwater tanks.

Frank


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

Ok, how much better is a 6700 - 8800K bulb over a "standard" flourescent bulb?

Plants that I think I can get:
java fern
java moss
anubias
amazon sword
anacharis
wenditi
some crypts

are there any special ferts I would need for any of these?

Hi,
Flourscent bulbs can come in either "warm or cool" White,
or Daylight or Sunlight. You want one of the latter two.
They are around 6700K and give off a more "sun like" light
that is used for plants and sometimes indoor lighting.
The first two types of bulbs are designed for indoor
lighting and for reading. They lack the harsh sunlike light
that can give folks a headache and bother their eyes.
But, they are perfectly fine for tanks and plants, and
fish. You can purchase these flourscent bulbs at any
hardware store, and pay much less for them than purchasing
at the LFS an getting a "Grow" type of bulb.

Frank


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

Nice combo! Im sure that they would grow, but i still suggest that you put in the gravel fert sticks for the swords. That will bring out the best in them. Try to get the java fern first, so it will have time to establish, because if the faster growers use up all the nutrients, then it might not grow, and might die.

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I have gravel similar in two of my tanks, I have no problem growing any plants except carpet plants. The gravel is too big for them to get a good rooting on. All other plants love it and do not have any problems rooting in it at all.

Good luck!

"There is also a Clown Pleco in this tank some where. I am telling you, HE IS IN HERE."