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I just got my first live plant, a java fern that i plan to attach to a piece of driftwood in my 29 g. I am thinking of replacing all of my fake plants with real ones in the near future. Right now i have a small pebble substrate. Would i need to completely change my gravel if i wanted live plants or could i just mix in some flourite? If so, how much flourite is needed? Thanks.

Flourite isn't absolutely necessary to have plants - especially if you stick to easy low light plants like anubias, java fern, java moss, and others. If you use crypts then you can just stick a root tab fert by their roots and will do just fine. I found it to really help in my medium light tank with CO2 and a LOT of plants. I use about a 50/50 mix of flourite and pea gravel.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

The biggest factor when it comes to plants is your lighting. That should be your first concern, you can worry about substrate and switching it or using root tabs or liquid ferts later. If there's little light there will be little growth no matter what the substrate is.

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Brian1216

Very good idea live plants are certainly the best way to go.

With the gravel a good recommended size is 1-3mm and a natural colour this gives a good size for most rooting plants to grow and the natural colour shows of the plants extremly well.

Selection of plants this is totally up to you and the tank size. They can range from easy to hard to grow plants.
I think you will find that most plants are compatable.
It a good idea to select a selection of plants and group them up rather than too many varieties thus giving you a "garden salad".

There are also many different types of lighting and certainly many different costs.

This is what I would do and the reasons for saying this.

Think about the aquscape first and this will help you a lot
If you wish I can PM you several good sites to look at.

Do some research on the plants that are available in your area and pocket. When you have done this resarch on each plant to establish what is the best for you and you tank.

Research the lighting and the costs and what is best for you tank

If the gravel you have is ok good if not locate what you can get.

When you have all these facts ask and ask again to establish you have selected the correct gravel, plants, and lighting.

When all this is done prepare/wash and change gravel if necessary.

Add the plants correctly.

Turn on the lights 4-6hrs for the first 14 days then on 10-12 hrs per day. To this is is advisable to get a basic yet good 24hr timer.

This will take many hrs to do but remember think twice act once.

There are many good experienced people here on FP that are only too willing to assist you.

Keith

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Brian1216

souds like a briliant idea to get some more live plants:88):88)

Keith is right a pebble size of 2-3mm is a good starting point. and as Babelfish said, light is one of the most important factors.

but as for fertilizers it should be ok without 'em assuming the tank is well established, there should be plenty of mineral elements in the gravel and enough nitrate in the water to keep the plants happy.

Declan

Brian1216,

I completely agree with the others here before me and I am happy that you decided to add live plants to your tank. Sure, there is more work to be done, but I don’t consider it work as it is another part of the exciting aquarium hobby.

It would be good if you could provide us with your tank details, as Babelfish mentioned.

Last but not least, take a [link=Look At My Tank]http:// www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Aquascaping/61406.html?200507071957[/link], it is a 29G as well.

Hope this helps,

Ingo

Last edited by LITTLE_FISH at 08-Jul-2005 04:43

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

Thanks for all the help. Basically i want some easy to care for plants that don't require much work. I have flourescent lighting so i think i'd be alright with hardy,low light plants. My biggest question is whether or not i need a completely new substrate or can i just mix in some flourite with it? I have pebbles that are about a half an inch or so. I'm thinking they may be too big for live plants. Could i do a 50/50 mix of my current substrate with some flourite?

Last edited by Brian1216 at 08-Jul-2005 10:45

Last edited by Brian1216 at 08-Jul-2005 10:53

welcome to live plants....finally....ull see that live plants make a tank more natural and beautiful.